Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairman for the African Union Commission strongly condemned the attack perpetrated against the Burundian contingent of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in Hirshabelle region on 14 September 2019.
Burundi peacekeeping mission convoy ambushed in Somalia
In a statement issued on 16 September, Moussa Faki Mahamat said the attack caused a number of casualties. “I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved families, the Burundi government and I wish a quick recovery to the injured AMISOM peacekeepers,” said Faki adding that the AU remains committed to working with the Somali Government to further consolidate peace and security in the country. He also called on the international community to provide appropriate support to Somalia and AMISOM to consolidate security gains in the country.
AMISOM officials reported that two AMISOM soldiers belonging to the Burundi National Defense Force troops were killed in action while three others were injured. According to them, Hirshabelle state officials were travelling in the region when an Improvised Explosive Device-IED was detonated by cowardly terrorists. Then, AMISOM troops rushed to the scene to rescue the victims and were caught in the ambush. Other sources in Somalia, however, reported a dozen of killed soldiers in the ambush.
Burundi has participated in the AMISOM peacekeeping mission since 2007.
It is the second largest country contributing to peacekeeping mission in Somalia after Uganda.
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