AMISOM says it will prosecute soldiers who killed civilians in Lower Shabelle
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The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has released a statement on its investigation into the killing of civilians by AMISOM forces in Golweyn, Lower Shabelle region.
A statement from AMISOM said that a fact-finding mission on the killing of civilians on August 10 this year had revealed that seven civilians had been killed and the actions of the troops involved was a violation of AMISOM operational rules.
AMISOM also said that the six-member committee, led by a representative from the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, included representatives from AMISOM and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), confirmed that on the day of the incident, AMISOM forces were confronting the militants Al-Shabaab at the scene of the incident, followed by a shootout, in which one AMISOM soldier was killed and another was injured.
“Therefore, AMISOM is taking full responsibility for the atrocities committed by its troops and will hold the perpetrators accountable to ensure that justice is served, as recommended by the Commission of Inquiry, in accordance with due process,” it said.
The Republic of Uganda, one of the troop contributors to the perpetrators, has set up a military tribunal to try the offending army members.
The military tribunal will retire and try the case in Somalia, ”said a statement from AMISOM.
AMISOM also stated: “It is projected that, in line with its obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the African Union, the Government of Uganda will contact the bereaved families to discuss compensation for those killed.
For its part, AMISOM will follow up on this issue to the end.
Finally, AMISOM reaffirmed its deep commitment to peace and security in Somalia and the protection of its residents as part of its core mandate.
Operational leadership will therefore continue to ensure strict adherence to its mandate in accordance with the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the Human Rights Act and the Operational Code.
