This archive report was first published on 29 October 2021.
On October 29, 2021, the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) released a statement denying accusations of involvement in the violence in Guri-el town, Central Somalia.
The violence, which erupted on Sunday morning, pitted local militia loyal to the moderate Islamist group Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamaa (ASWJ) against government forces comprising of units of Somali National Army (SNA) and local Galmudug forces.
Amisom's statement described the accusations as false, toxic, and malicious, intended to cause disaffection between Amisom and the Somali communities.
The peacekeeping force emphasized that its operations, including military operations and support to the Somali Security Forces (SSF), are guided by the mandate provided by the AU Peace and Security Council and UN Security Council.
Amisom's statement underlined its commitment to disrupting and degrading the Al-Qaeda linked militia group, Al Shabaab, and assisting the SSF in their efforts to bring peace and security to Somalia.
According to Somalia government officials, the fighting has led to more than 120 deaths, including many civilians.
