– The al-Shabaab has launched several deadly attacks against Amisom military installations within the last several months.
The African Union representative for Somalia, Francisco Madeira, has warned of a sinister plot by the al-Shabaab terrorists aimed at discrediting African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) and turning the public against its forces serving in Somalia.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday February 10, 2016, Madeira who is also the head of Amisom said the plan involves al-Shabaab terrorists committing atrocities, disguised in stolen uniforms.
The official said they plot to strike in communities in the liberated areas that are currently enjoying peace, thereby tarnishing the image of the Mission.
“al-Shabaab is now trying to utilize uniforms and other things they have stolen from Amisom troops to disguise themselves as Amisom troops and commit atrocities against the population then blame it on the forces,” he said.He however appealed to the public to be on the lookout and guard against such.
“If you see any suspicious behavior by anybody in Amisom uniform, report it immediately to your immediate authorities so that we can all be able to defeat this heinous enemy who does not respect life, who does not want the development of the people of Somalia.”
Amisom troops, he noted, in addition to having a strict code of conduct, have profound respect for the Somali population, observe human rights and respect.
Kenyan troops serve in Somalia under Amisom.
On January 15, 2016 militants from the al-Shabaab drove three vehicles heavily laden with explosives into the Somalia Army and Kenya Defence Forces camps and then detonated.
They were followed by more members of the al-Shabaab who were described to be ‘suicide fighters’.
It is still unclear exactly how many fighters from the terrorist group struck the camp.
