MOGADISHU (SD) – African Union mission in Somalia announced that it will probe murder of seven civilians who were allegedly killed by Ugandan troops in Lower Shabelle region.
A convoy carrying Ugandan troops working under the framework of African Union mission in Somalia (Amisom) on Wednesday came under al-Shabaab attack in an area between Beldamin and Golweyn, prompting fierce fighting with militants.
After the fighting subsided, Ugandan troops allegedly roughed up villagers in Golweyn locality, taking seven of the locals who were later found dead outside the village.
In a statement, the 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.
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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