MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Following the release of an investigation by Amnesty International into a Turkish drone strike that claimed the lives of 23 civilians in Lower Shabelle, families of the victims have reported facing threats and harassment, highlighting the challenges they continue to endure.
Just a day after the findings were made public, the families had planned a protest in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, demanding justice and accountability for the 23 individuals, including women and children, who lost their lives.
Amnesty International verified that another 17 civilians were injured in the strike.
“We were warned not to participate in the protest. NISA [National Intelligence] agents were contacting us, threatening arrest and accusing us of being members of Al-Shabaab,” one woman, whose loved ones were among the deceased, shared requesting anonymity.
The families have identified two individuals allegedly involved: Deputy Minister of Information for the Somali federal government Abdirahman Yusuf Omar, known as Al Adaala, and a member of the intelligence unit named MohamedKafi Abukar.
Saacid, a family member of one of the deceased, expressed outrage at the denial of civilian deaths by Al Adaala, stating, “Imagine that your loved ones are killed and then simply this man is mocking our dead bodies, our mothers, and children.”
“They threaten us with detention and disappearance should we speak out for justice,” he adds.
The victims and their families belong to the Gorgaarte clan, a marginalized group within the larger Bantu clans.
The Bantu, locally known as ‘Jareer,’ often face discrimination and marginalization in Somalia, with their land and farms frequently seized by more powerful armed clans. Women of the Bantu community are particularly vulnerable to rape and sexual violence.
In an interview with BBC Somali, Deputy Minister of Information Al Adaala labeled all those killed as “Al-Shabaab members” without providing evidence, further exacerbating tensions.
Amnesty International’s report detailed the civilian casualties, including 14 children, five women, and four men, and called for investigations into the strikes as potential war crimes.
#CiviliansNotTargets@HamzaAbdiBarre @HSNQ_NISA @AhmedMoFiqi @TC_MogadisuBE @Amohamednur pic.twitter.com/1o8RvpKCa2
— Amnesty Eastern Africa (@AmnestyEARO) May 9, 2024
The organization’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, emphasized the need for truth, justice, and reparations for the survivors and their families.
“The Somali and Turkish governments must investigate these deadly strikes as a war crime, and put an end to reckless attacks on civilians,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.
“In Somalia, civilians have borne the brunt of suffering in war far too often. These horrific deaths must not be overlooked. The devastated survivors and their families deserve truth, justice and reparations.”
Despite calls for accountability, families of the victims have not received acknowledgment, compounding their pain as they face threats and intimidation within Mogadishu.