A FGOYE, Somalia Jul 30 2012 (Garowe Online) – Transitional Federal Government (TFG) President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed visited the town of Afgoye, amidst continued abuses by TFG troops, Garowe Online reports.

President Sharif led a delegation of TFG ministers and military officials and met with  military officials, traditional elders and community leaders in Afgoye, to discuss the recurring abuse on civilians committed by troops.

After meeting with community leaders in Afgoye, President Sharif agreed to selecting forces from the community to protect Afgoye residents, which was proposed by community leaders in Afgoye.

President Sharif scolded Deputy Chief of the Somali Army, Gen. Abdikarim Yusuf Adan, who he had partly blamed for the insecurity in the town and for the lack of accountability of his troops.

Both Gen. Adan and Chief of the Somali Army Gen. Abdiqadir Sheikh Ali Diini said that they would strive to bring tranquility to Afgoye which had been an Al Shabaab stronghold until allied forces captured the town early last month.

According to sources, while President Sharif was meeting with community leaders in Afgoye, there were arrests of military officials stationed in Afgoye. The number of officials arrested is still unknown.  

The trip to Afgoye, unlike previous trips did not include media which had accompanied the president in the two prior trips.    

There have been constant reports of abuse committed by troops on Afgoye residents. President Sharif had spoke about the abuse in his previous trips but the violence has failed to stop.

GAROWE ONLINE