African Union Mission in Somalia AMISOM has apologized for killing of civilians in Lower Shabelle region of Somalia last month.
More than seven civilians were killed by the peacekeeping troops in the port city of Marka on 31st July.
Addressing Journalist in Kenyan capital Nairobi on Friday, the African Union Special Representative for Somalia and Head of AMISOM ambassador Maman Sidikou has regretted the action of the troops and sent condolences to the families and government of the federal republic of Somalia.
“I would like on behalf of the African Union, to offer my sincere apology for these deaths,†he said.
“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,†he added.
Ambassador Sidikou said that three AMISOM personnel have been indicted and are awaiting to be arraigned before a military judicial process for the killings in Marka.
He added that an instituted Board of Inquiry composed of military, civilian and police officers who are not from the Contingent concerned was established in order to ensure impartiality.
This is the first time African Union peacekeeping troops in Somalia have accepted the responsibilty for killing innocent civilians that are not involved in the fighting also soldiers are charged with killings.
