Somalia : AMISOM rules out assassination in leading activist Almaas' death

MOGADISHU - Possible assassination has been ruled out in controversial death of Canadian-Somali activist and former diplomat Almaas Elman, who fell to the bullet in highly protected Halane Base camp.

The death of the aid worker, Almaas Elman, was confirmed by Brig. Gen. Zakia Hussein, the deputy commissioner of the Somali Police Force, who said investigations into the killing were continuing.

But AMISOM has joined the investigations, already ruling out possible assassination of the former Somali diplomat, whose death caused anxiety and grief around the world.

Describing the death as 'heart-wrenching and unfortunate', AMISOM said her officers have already visited the scene and have commenced enquiry to determine mystery behind her death.

However, the AU team said, Almaas may have been hit by a stray bullet within the base camp. Additionally, AMISOM said, 'the base has recorded similar incidents before'.

"Pending the final report, preliminary investigations indicate Elman was hit by a stray bullet, especially as no firearm discharge was reported within the base camp at the time of incident," Lt Col Charles Okongo said on Friday.

Further, AMISOM said, 'it will work with FGS, Somali security forces and other agencies to fully investigate the incident'. Final report will be shared to the public.

At the time of death, Lt Col Okongo said, Almaas had held a meeting at the camp. She met a bullet while travelling to Aden Adde  International Airport.

Inside the vehicle, AMISOM said, were two other people. Almaas had taken a passenger seat at the back. She died upon arrival at a nearby Level II hospital.

Said Fadhaye, a freelance videographer in Mogadishu, posted on Facebook that he was in the car with Ms. Elman when she died, a confirmation that he was the passenger.

Describing the events as an “attack,” Mr. Fadhaye said Ms. Elman had “died on my lap,” adding, “May God have mercy on her.”

Ms Almaas Elman worked as a secretary to Somalia embassy in Nairobi before quitting for activism. She had started working as a communication consultant with European Union Mission in Somalia.

Federal Goverment of Somalia, EU and United Nations condemned the death, calling for swift investigations and prosecution of those involved.

IIwad Elman, her sister thanked people around the globe for 'love' adding that, "Tomorrow (Friday) we will lay to rest our sister Elmaas. Join us in person or I spirit".

This is not the first time cases of controversial deaths involving dignitaries are being reported in Somalia. A number of MPs and ministers have been killed before by suspected thugs and Al-Shabaab militants.

AMISOM troops man Mogadishu and the surrounding areas. The city was liberated in 2006 by Ethiopian troops and transitional goverment forces after occupation.

The African forces are training Somalia National Army ahead of planned strategic exit in 2021, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Burundi are some of contributing nations.

GAROWE ONLINE