Statement by the African Union Special Representative for Somalia and Head of AMISOM addressing the 31st July 2015 Incident in Marka, Lower Shabelle Region of Somalia
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for honouring my invitation at short notice.
This afternoon I would like to talk to you about the incident involving AMISOM troops in Marka on 31st July 2015.
You would recall that we issued a statement on the 4th of August in which we stated that the officer in charge of the troop detachment was recalled for questioning as a prelude to a possible further investigation.
Indeed, we have established that, on that occasion, seven civilians died following an incident involving our troops.
At this juncture therefore, I would like on behalf of the African Union, to offer my sincere apology for these deaths.
We regret these deaths.
And I would like to offer sincere and profound condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and indeed to the people and the Federal Government of Somalia.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Since we established that there was a credible (prima facie) basis for a further and thorough investigation of the allegations, we instituted a process of investigations to establish further facts into the circumstances that led to this tragic incident.
This process has already established the fact, as I have stated earlier, that seven persons died.
In addition, and it is in that regard that three AMISOM personnel have been indicted and are awaiting to be arraigned before a military judicial process.
I would like to commend the commanders for taking appropriate and responsive action in dealing with this matter in line with the Mission’s conduct and discipline procedures.
Furthermore, to establish any additional culpability, I have instituted a Board of Inquiry composed of military, civilian and police officers who are not from the Contingent concerned in order 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.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me reiterate here that as the Head of AMISOM, together with my colleagues seated with me here, I 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.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our soldiers are operating in a very complex environment. We will continue to appeal to our host communities to facilitate the work of our troops in the fight against al Shabaab.
On our part, AMISOM troops will continue to uphold the inviolability of civilian lives as sacrosanct. As such, we will 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.
Let me conclude by once again expressing our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this tragic incident.
That was the focus of my brief to you this afternoon.
I will now take a few questions, but let us focus on this issue.
Thank you.
Nairobi, Kenya
21 August 2015
