AU forces use ‘excessive force’ in shooting protesters in Somalia
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Staff reporter Garowe Online
- Posted On 27-12-2020, 06:12PM
BELEDWEYNE, Somalia - Somalia witnessed scenes of violence and chaos as anti-government protests continued for the third week with multiple eyewitness reports of soldiers opening fire on protesters.
Violent clashes have erupted on the streets of Hiran regional capital, Beledweyne between Somali forces and protesters calling for the release of dozens arrested during massive security operations.
At least three people were wounded, including a woman, according to hospital sources.
The protesters blamed Djibouti and Ethiopian troops serving under AMISOM for opening fire on them using live ammunition, in what opposition figures termed as an “unfortunate shooting incident”.
The AU mission faced condemnation for using “unauthorized and excessive force” in shooting civilians during a protest in the central city and called to issue an apology over the incident.
“I condemn the acts of suppressing the voice of the ppl of Hiiraan. I call on AMISOM & Ethiopian forces to refrain from using force to advance President Farmajo's personal interests,” said Abdirahman Abdishakur, a presidential candidate.
He added: “Opening fire on peaceful protesters is a crime that has become the norm during Farmajo's rule,” wishing the innocent civilians who were wounded during the soldiers’ shooting of the protesters.
No comments from the Somali government on the civilian shooting.
Pro-opposition rallies took place in several key areas in Mogadishu on Dec. 15 with reports indicate that security forces have clashed with protesters in the Yaqshid and Karan districts, resulting in casualties.
Last Friday, December 25, an armed man in plain-cloth working for the spy agency NISA opened fire on protesters in Mogadishu at point-blank range, prompting the protesters to scamper for safety.
One witness told Garowe Online he saw several people sustained wounds in the shooting while three young ladies have been taken into custody for participating in the anti-government rally in the capital.
GAROWE ONLINE
