Amisom refutes claim of involvement in central Somalia fighting

African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom), a continental peacekeeping force, has denied involvement in the violence in Guri-el, Galmudug State, Central Somalia, which pitted local militias against government forces.

Militias loyal to the moderate Islamist group Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamaa (ASWJ) have been fighting pro-government forces, which include Somali National Army (SNA) units and local Galmudug forces.

Information went viral earlier this week alleging Amisom soldiers of fighting alongside pro-government groups and supplying weaponry to them during violent confrontations that lasted from Sunday to Wednesday.

On Thursday, Amisom released a statement rejecting the accusations.

“The leadership of the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) has noted with deep concern allegations that our forces were involved and extended support to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in the fight that broke out between them and Ahlu Sunna Walja’ama,” the statement released by the force’s spokesperson read in part.

Amisom described the accusations as false, toxic and malicious, which was deliberately intended to cause disaffection between Amisom and the Somali communities.

(Reuters)