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Kiyonga says Uganda is in for peace |
Sunday, April 08, 2007
A European Union security expert has warned that Ethiopian and Somali troops may have committed war crimes during a four-day battle in Mogadishu last week. The AU peacekeeping force, consisting only of one Ugandan contingent, could also be complicit for not acting to stop the crimes occurring in areas for which it has responsibility, the letter said. Defence Minister Crispus Kiyonga (right) in an interview with Els De Temmerman refuted the allegations.
Q: The African Union mission in Somalia is accused of possible complicity in war crimes by not acting to stop the crimes. What is your reaction to that?
A: First, I am not aware that anybody has committed crimes. Secondly the mandate of AMISOM, the African Union mission in Somalia has four elements: to create the environment for dialogue and reconciliation, to protect the Transitional Federal Government and its institutions, to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and to assist with rebuilding the Somali security system, including the army, the Police and the intelligence service. None of those components include us directly fighting insurgents. Of course if they shoot at us while doing our work, we shoot back in self-defence.
Q: Has that already happened?
A: It has happened once. Our soldiers fell into an ambush when they went to protect the force commander who was in a hotel. But since our troops were in an armoured vehicle and the firing came from a place where there were non-combatant people, the commander decided to drive through without shooting back.
Another time, our soldiers were caught in a cross-fire while guarding the presidential palace. Ethiopians had set up installations in the neighbourhood and the insurgents were shelling at them. That is when one soldier was killed and five were wounded.
Q: The African Union commander is accused of having “through commission or omission” violated the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. What is your answer to these allegations?
A: We cannot be accused of violating the Rome Statute through commission because we did not participate in that fighting. Creating an atmosphere for dialogue is part of our mandate. We must therefore be careful not to get involved. We must be seen as impartial. At this moment we are trying to talk to the insurgents. We can also not be accused of war crimes through omission because it is not within our mandate to intervene.
Moreover, we don’t have the forces. AMISOM is not yet complete. We were supposed to be a force of 3000 initially. But we are there alone. For somebody to think that we should go out to stop the fighting is not realistic. The person who made these comments may not be aware of our mission and how much of the force has so far been deployed.
Q: Who exactly are you talking to?
A: We are trying to reach out to all stakeholders, including the Islamic Courts. We believe that as many players as possible should participate in the national dialogue, provided they are not internationally sought terrorists or radicals who don’t want unity.
Question: Any indication when the Burundian contingent might be deployed?
A: The Burundians have two concerns: they need to be prepared. And they need the logistics and the resources. It took us one year to prepare our troops. The money the European Union committed has now been disbursed to the African Union, as well as 50% of the British funds so I think they will deploy soon.
Q: Some foreign publications claim that Uganda is being used by the Americans in Somalia. Others suggest that President Museveni sent troops to Somalia to divert attention from his problems at home, such as the judges’ strike.
A: Our involvement in Somalia dates back two to three years. The judges’ strike was one month ago. Those who interpret our decision in that way are factually wrong. Also, for people to think that we are driving an American agenda is misjudging the situation.
We believe in the total liberation and stabilisation of the black people in Africa. That is why we helped the SPLA (Sudan People’s Liberation Army) and the ANC (African National Congress). We did not do that because of the US. Our vehicle to participate in the Somali mission was first IGAD, then the African Union. By coincidence, the US also has concerns in Somalia, of terrorism and al Qaeda. By coincidence, we happen to share an interest in stabilising Somalia. But there are other areas where we disagree with the Americans, such as our friendship with Gadaffi.
Q: Eritrea has warned Uganda to get out of Somalia or face dire consequences. What do you think about Eritrea’s position?
A: Eritrea is being misled by their quarrel with Ethiopia. They need to see beyond their differences and reconcile, because the bigger goal is Africa. We need to stabilise Africa and then get on with the job of eradicating poverty, creating development and fighting the epidemics of diseases affecting our people.
Question: The Somali Government is two and a half years in power but it has not yet delivered basic services. Don’t you think there is a problem of leadership?
A: It has been a difficult start. There is no organised production, no source of revenue. To fix 30km of road, for example, you need $10m. Basic health care costs $5 per capita per year, or $50m for the whole Somali population.
Where do you start when you have nothing? The international community needs to support the Somali people. There is an opportunity to stabilise Somalia. The UN and the donors must give funds to help the Government provide basic services and start reconstruction. We must emphasise that this is a transitional government, in power for 4 years. It needs to draw up a minimum recovery programme and rebuild security forces.
Question: Will the reconciliation conference take place in mid April, as planned?
A: For logistical reasons, it has been postponed to next month. More time is needed to prepare it well, to make sure that nobody is excluded and that the programme is comprehensive.
Q: Are you optimistic about Somalia?
A: I am absolutely optimistic. The fighting is only in Mogadishu and only in about 20% of the city. Baidoa, Kismayo and other towns are calm. If this reconciliation process is expedited, more groups cooperate with the transitional government and we can help them to build their own capacity and start up minimal services, I believe we can succeed.
Source: New Vision, April 08, 2007