African peacekeepers participate in fighting against Somali insurgents

July 12, 2009 (MOGADISHU) – The African peacekeepers in Somali directly intervened today in fighting against the Islamists insurgents who sought to seize the government headquarters they are in charge of its protection.

The 4,300 troops from Uganda and Burundi in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which conducts a Peace Support Operation in Somalia to stabilize the security situation, are largely confined to their bases and protect key sites such as the presidential palace, airport and seaport.

However, during the week end the insurgents had captured an area near the presidential palace. The African troops had to back up the government troops as the rebels were only one kilometer to the presidential palace.

“Our troops were in imminent danger so we had to take some limited action because the rebels crossed the red line where they were not supposed to go to avoid our military action,” said a spokesperson of the AMISON on Sunday.

Different reports mentioned the involvement of armoured vehicles of the AMISON in the fighting against the fighters of Al-Shebab in north Mogadishu where are located the presidential palace and government offices.

Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Sunday hailed a “clear victory” over Islamist fighters in a battle to gain control of the capital, as the latest clashes left at least 21 dead.

Battles for control of the Somali capital have become increasingly focused on strategic points, such as police stations.

“You can see government forces are today in control of most areas that were being fought over in the capital,” Sharif said adding “This is a clear victory over the rebels.”

He further denied the participation of the African troops in today’s fighting.”It is the Somali government alone who is responsible for cracking down” on the insurgents, he stressed.

However, the insurgents who request the pullout of the African peacekeepers, decried the involvement of the AMISON in the fighting.
Ali Mohamud Rage, a spokesperson for the Al-Shebab said “Now it’s between us and the AMISOM.” “AMISOM was backing up the government directly, but we will keep fighting.”

Susana Malcorra, under-secretary-general for the UN Department for Field Support (DFS) called in a Security Council meeting last Thursday for greater support for AMISOM.

“I urge all Member States and regional organizations, including the European Union and the League of Arab States, to redouble efforts to expedite disbursement of pledges and to work closely with the UN to ensure that the combined support for AMISOM can be identified and prioritized,” she said.

(ST)