Buulo Mareer, (IDNE) — The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has initiated an investigation following the killing in Buulo Mareer that resulted in the deaths of two civilians and the injury of another on July 17, 2024. The Mission expressed deep concern over the loss of life and committed to transparency and accountability in its operations.
In an official statement, ATMIS acknowledged media reports implicating its forces in the tragic events. The Mission assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway, and findings will be disclosed upon its conclusion. “ATMIS extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wishes them strength during this difficult time,” the statement read.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents. Maadey Jeilani Ali, deputy chairman for social affairs of the Kuntuwaarey district, reported that Ugandan troops, part of the ATMIS contingent, entered a farm in Buulo Mareer and fatally shot two individuals, who were later found to have been slaughtered. A third person was injured but managed to escape.
“After shooting the two individuals, the ATMIS troops slaughtered them. They were on patrol and became suspicious of these men, shot them, and then slaughtered them. There were three individuals; they killed two, and the third, who was injured, managed to escape. Two months ago, they similarly killed a farmer returning from his fields,” said Ali.
Abdirahim Adan, a 17-year-old schoolboy, was among two civilians brutally killed in Bulo-Marer by the ATMIS Ugandan contingent, residents, and authorities confirmed. from M. M. Dhoore
The killings have deeply unsettled the Buulo Mareer community, which has faced repeated incidents of violence involving ATMIS forces. Protests have erupted, with dozens of young men demanding justice and accountability. In response, authorities are expected to bolster security along major roads and near government and security buildings.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the Federal Government of Somalia has issued a statement addressing the incident. Residents of Buulo Mareer and the Lower Shabelle region are calling on both the Federal Government and the South West State government to hold ATMIS accountable, accusing the troops of a pattern of deliberate attacks on civilian farmers.
ATMIS reiterated that its operations are guided by a core mandate to protect civilian lives, emphasizing that its forces are trained to comply with International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights standards, and the Rules of Engagement. “ATMIS remains committed to transparency and accountability in all its operations and will provide updates as the investigation progresses,” the ATMIS stated.
As the investigation unfolds, the South West State community and the Somali public await answers and a resolution to this troubling incident.
𝕯𝖗. 𝐗𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐆, Columnist and Security Expert for the Horn of Africa.
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