MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on Wednesday announced that it will launch investigations into Tuesday’s incident involving its troops in which seven civilians were killed outside Mogadishu.
The AU mission regretted the loss of lives and said it will not relent until the truth about the incident that took place in Golweyn village.
“AMISOM has since received reports that civilian lives were lost. Under the applicable International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Human Rights, AMISOM is obliged and remains deeply committed to carrying out its mandated tasks in Somalia in strict compliance with such obligations,” the statement reads in part. “To this end, AMISOM has launched a thorough investigation into the reported incident.”
The AU mission said the findings of this investigation will be made public and offered its condolences to the bereaved families.
“The investigation team will present its findings and this will be followed by a Board of Inquiry,” the mission said.
According to the statement, the mission said the collateral dame may have come as a result of an ambush by al-Shabaab fighters.
“On August 10, 2021, soldiers of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) while on a routine patrol to secure the Main Supply Route along the Beldamin-Golweyn Forward Operating Base in the Lower Shabelle region, were ambushed and attacked by Al-Shabab militants,” the mission said.
AMISOM said prior to deployment in the theatre of operations, its forces are always trained and mentored to strictly observe the provisions of international humanitarian law, as well as international human rights law and abide by the rules of engagement governing the conduct of military operations.
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