(Special for CAFS) ATMIS probes killing of civilian in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) – The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) said on Saturday that it has launched an independent investigation after one of its soldiers shot dead a civilian in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu on Friday.

“The findings will be shared with the Federal Government of Somalia,” ATMIS said in a statement issued here.

The incident led to demonstrations in Mogadishu with protesters carrying placards burning tires in their hands and blocking the Seelgab intersection, where the killing took place.

ATMIS said its preliminary investigation revealed that an unidentified person threw a suspicious object at an ATMIS truck. The man later attempted to board the truck, prompting ATMIS soldiers, who were escorting the vehicle, to respond.

“ATMIS is committed to protecting the lives of citizens and will continue to uphold and respect the rights of all Somali citizens as set forth in its mandate and support the government in ensuring a peaceful and stable Somalia,” Said this.