Oversight committee to investigate civilian deaths in southern Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia, August 12, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Joint oversight committee which would have representatives from Somalia Federal Government and African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) is set to launch investigations into allegations of civilian casualties in Lower Shabelle region, Garowe Online reports.

Parliamentary sub-committee on Defence discussed with the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somali and head of AMISOM Maman Sidikou, his deputy and AMISOM force commander Jonathan Ronu ‘reports of civilian deaths by AU peacekeepers in Merca coastal town’.

The federal government commissioners questioned AMISOM leadership on the ongoing offensives against Al Shabaab militants and civilians killed in Merca.

Hussein Arab Isse, former Defence Minister and the chairman of parliamentary subcommittee briefed the media on the outcome of bilateral discussions, saying the two sides agreed to form a joint committee that will probe the incident.

He expressed gratitude for their attendance and acceptance of fact finding mission.

On his side, Sidikou pledged that they will carry on their investigation, a few days after AU mission noted allegations against its troops with serious concern.

Two incidents reportedly involving civilian casualties have occurred in Lower Shabelle regional capital of Merca.

On Sunday, peacekeepers opened fire on a bus on Beledweyne-Halgan road, killing five occupants. 

GAROWE ONLINE