Federal government of Somalia has strongly condemned the killing of more than 14 people by AMISOM troops in AWdinle on Monday.
Statement from the ministry of information has called for protection of the civilians during combat with armed group that it said are using civilians as shields.
Ethiopian troops who are part of the AU troops in Somalia opened fire and killed more than 14 people including Quranic teachers, sick and old in Awdinle near Baidoa yesterday.
Troops said they encountered an ambush from militant group Alshabaab.
Federal government called for immediate joint investigations into the unnecessary killings.
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) also said is it investigating claims of civilian deaths in Wardinle.
In a press statement sent to newsrooms AU special envoy to Somalia said crimes committed by AU troops will be dealt with accordingly
“AMISOM holds civilian lives sacrosanct and any negligence or omission by our personnel will be dealt with severely in accordance with the African Union rules of engagement and relevant provisions of the International humanitarian law, the international Human rights law and in full compliance with the UNHRDDP,†the Special Representative of the AU Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira said.
“My Office, in consultation with the relevant Federal Government of Somalia institutions, is investigating the incident to establish the veracity of the claims. We shall certainly get to the bottom of this matter,†he added.
Ambassador Madeira emphasized AMISOM’s commitment to the African Union rules of engagement that requires AMISOM troops to be very careful and do their best, to avoid civilian casualties in its operations. He directed all AMISOM personnel to strictly adhere to the fundamental tenets of International Humanitarian Law, the international Human rights law and the African Union Peace Support Operations Code of Conduct.
