Somalia: AMISOM uses roads in the capital despite ban

MOGADISHU, Somalia- African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has spoke about a recent order from the Mayor of Mogadishu Thabit Abdi Mohamed banning their vehicles in some roads in the capital, Garowe Online reports.

Speaking to local media in Mogadishu, AMISOM spokesman Col Joe Kibet said they are yet to receive the new traffic ban on AU armored personnel carriers on the main Makka Al-Mukarama road.

"We have seen this report circulating on the social media. We are still waiting to receive the Mayor's official order banning us from the road, that will be submitted to AMISOM command in Mogadishu," said Kibet.

Continuing, the AMISOM spokesman has added that their vehicles will continue driving on Maka Al-Mukarama road until they get the formal letter from the office of the Mayor.

When asked about whether they will apply the ban if they receive the order, Kibet replied that AMISOM commanders will meet on the issue, and take a decision, regarding the country's traffic laws.

AMISOM comments came just hours after the new Mayor of Mogadishu banned AMISOM vehicles from using city's Maka Al-Mukarama road from 6am in the morning until midnight after fatal road accidents.

The order of the Mayor also forbids the public parking from several main streets in the capital, including between KM-4 and Aden Adde International Airport, to thwart deadly bombings caused by parked cars.

GAROWEONLINE