As Kenya Soldier Kills 6 Somali Civilians, UN Accountable, Mahiga Cancels
Q&A
By Matthew Russell Lee
UNITED NATIONS, September 24, 2012 -- For weeks the UN's envoy on Somalia
Augustine Mahiga has declined to comment as the Kenyan Navy as fired shells
into the town of Kismayo
<
http://www.innercitypress.com/un1kismayo090412.html> , killing civilians in
mid-August.
Inner City Press asked repeatedly about it, and was finally provided
with a three week old statement by the UN's humanitarian on Somalia Mark
Bowden <
http://www.innercitypress.com/un3kismayo090712.html> , since
re-assigned to Afghanistan.
On September 24, after reports that a Kenyan ground soldier who is part of
the UN supported AMISOM force shot and killed at least six civilians, Inner
City Press asked UN spokesman Martin Nesirky what standards for
accountability in such cases the UN has, for armed forces it supports. Video
here
<
http://webtv.un.org/watch/daily-press-briefing-with-guest-tibor-toth-ctbto-
security-council-rule-of-law-high-level-events-ochasudan/1858775555001/> ,
from Minute 31.
Nesirky, who had previously responded that forces should "show maximum
restraint" but had not answered on accountability when less then maximum, or
no, restraint has been shown, insisted that he had already answered the
question. He also said that the question could be put to Mahiga himself, who
had a scheduled 4:30 pm press conference at the UN.
And then, just before 4 pm, Mahiga canceled his press conference. So who
is going to answer the question? There is a September 26 "mini summit" on
Somalia, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Watch this site.
Received on Mon Sep 24 2012 - 22:31:15 EDT
