Omar Hassan Warsame was a prominent figure in the Somali town of Golweyn, known for his large farm that provided essential crops and employment for the community. Sadly, on August 10, 2021, African Union (AU) peacekeepers from Uganda attacked Omar and his employees, resulting in their deaths. This tragic event led to widespread outrage and demands for the withdrawal of foreign peacekeepers from Somalia.
The AU peacekeepers, part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), were initially deployed in 2007 to combat the al-Qaeda affiliate al-Shabab and support the government. Over the years, reports of abuses against civilians by peacekeepers have surfaced, leading to calls for justice and compensation for victims’ families.
Despite significant international investment in Somalia’s security forces and the presence of AU peacekeepers, al-Shabab still controls parts of the country and continues to carry out deadly attacks. With donor fatigue leading to funding cutbacks, ATMIS (African Union Transition Mission in Somalia) plans to withdraw from the country by the end of the year.
Families of victims of peacekeeper violence are seeking compensation, but the AU has not allocated funds for this purpose. Attempts to seek justice through formal channels have been met with challenges, leaving victims’ families frustrated and without recourse.
The issue of accountability for peacekeeper violence remains unresolved, with victims’ families left to navigate a complex and bureaucratic system for redress. The struggle for justice and compensation continues as Somalia grapples with ongoing security challenges and the legacy of violence inflicted by various armed groups and external forces.