Friday 21st August 2015, the African Union Special Representative for Somalia and Head of AMISOM issues a statement addressing the 31st July 2015 incident in Marka, Lower Shabelle region of Somalia.
The brief which begins with a statement issued on 4th of August of which AMISOM took note of allegations against its troops in Marka.
AMISOM launched an investigation and have established that on that occasion, seven civilians died from an incident involving AMISOM troops.
African Union has offered sincere apology for the deaths and profound condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, people and the Federal Government of Somalia.
From the established basis of credible investigations to the allegations to what led to this tragic incident where seven persons died, AMISOM personnel have been indicted and are awaiting to be arraigned before a military judicial process.
In the statement, African Union Special Representative for Somalia and Head of AMISOM commended the commanders for taking appropriate and responsive action in dealing with this matter in line with the Mission’s conduct and discipline procedures.
To investigate any additional culprits, board of inquiry composing of military, civilian and police officers not from the contingent instituted to ensure impartiality.
The investigating board will work closely with the local community leaders, the regional administration and the Federal Government.
The board will also conduct its work in a transparent manner and will guarantee confidentiality and safety of potential witnesses who may appear before the investigation board.
The Head of AMISOM, retaliated that they will continue to ensure that all AMISOM personnel, whether uniformed or civilians, armed or unarmed, strictly adhere to the fundamental principles of International Humanitarian Law as well as the African Union Peace Support Operations Code of Conduct.
Though the Head of the mission noted that the soldiers are operating in a very complex environment he appealed to the host communities to facilitate the work of AMISOM troops in the fight against al Shabaab.
According to the statement, AMISOM troops will continue to uphold the inviolability of civilian lives as sacrosanct. As such, the AU mission continue to make sure that, as our soldiers carry out their mandate of supporting the Somali people and government in the fight against al Shabaab in this very difficult environment, we do not lose sight of this cardinal principle.
