Saturday July 20, 2024
FILE - Ugandan ATMIS forces patrol in Buulo Mareer, Lower Shabelle.
Mogadishu (HOL) — The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has launched an investigation into a July 17 incident in Buulo Mareer, Lower Shabelle, that resulted in the deaths of two civilians and injured another. ATMIS, responding to media allegations implicating its forces, has promised to make the findings public.
"ATMIS has learned with deep concern of a tragic incident in Buulo Mareer on 17 July 2024, involving the loss of two civilian lives and injury to another," the Mission stated in a press release. "The Mission hereby assures all stakeholders that the findings will be made public on conclusion."
ATMIS extended its deepest condolences to the affected families and emphasized its commitment to protecting civilian lives. "ATMIS forces are trained and mentored to strictly comply with International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights standards, and the Rules of Engagement governing military operations, with particular emphasis on protecting civilians and children," the statement continued.
According to Maadey Jeilani Ali, deputy chairman for social affairs of the Kuntuwaarey district, ATMIS troops, specifically Ugandan forces, entered a farm in Buulo Mareer, encountered three individuals, and killed two of them. The third individual escaped despite being injured. "After shooting the two individuals, the ATMIS troops slaughtered them. They were on patrol and became suspicious of these men," Ali said. "Two months ago, a similar incident occurred where ATMIS forces killed a farmer returning from his fields."
The killings have sparked protests in Buulo Mareer, with dozens of residents, primarily young men, demanding justice and accountability.
Neither ATMIS command nor the Federal Government of Somalia has issued statements regarding the incident. Residents of Buulo Mareer and the broader Lower Shabelle region are urging the Federal and South West State governments to hold ATMIS accountable, alleging a pattern of deliberate civilian targeting.