65-year-old Omar Hassan Warsame was a respected figure in Golweyn, Somalia, known for his charitable acts and sustaining the community through his farm. Tragically, he and four of his employees were killed by African Union (AU) peacekeepers from Uganda in August 2021. This incident, known as the Golweyn massacre, sparked outrage and calls for the withdrawal of foreign peacekeepers from Somalia.
The peacekeepers, part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), have been tasked with countering the threat of al-Shabab, an extremist group seeking to overthrow the government. However, reports of peacekeeper involvement in abuses against civilians have surfaced over the years. The victims’ families have demanded justice and compensation, with some cases dating back to 2017.
While AMISOM has tried to address the issue of compensation through a joint initiative with the Somali government, families feel let down and unheard. The lack of accountability and transparency has added to the distress of victims, with some feeling betrayed by their own country.
As ATMIS, the rebranded AU peacekeeping force, plans to withdraw from Somalia, concerns remain about the new force, AUSSOM, and its ability to build trust with communities. Without addressing the grievances of victims and providing compensation, the new force may struggle to gain acceptance among Somalis.
Ultimately, the legacy of peacekeeping operations in Somalia is marred by allegations of human rights abuses and lack of accountability. The victims and their families continue to seek justice and recognition for their losses, highlighting the complex challenges faced in post-conflict environments.
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