Senator Farhan Ali Hussein has called on the Somali Upper House of Parliament to summon the ministers of Defense and Internal Security to question them on what he described as the growing threat of drone strikes in Somalia.
Senator Farhan said he was concerned about incidents involving drone strikes, which he said had resulted in civilian deaths, with some victims not being brought to justice.
“There have been incidents where people have been killed without being brought to justice. Once four were killed by a drone, once ten were killed,” Senator Farhan said, telling the House that the issue needed to be thoroughly investigated.
The senator said the use of drones had become a prominent issue in Somali society, calling for the establishment of a fact-finding committee to investigate incidents related to the strikes and the resulting casualties.
“I propose that the Speaker establish a fact-finding commission wherever this issue is raised,” he said.
He also asked the House to summon the Ministers of Defense and Homeland Security, and all relevant authorities, to present to the House an official statement on how drones are being used and who is responsible for civilian casualties.
Senator Farhan argued that an independent investigation is essential to verify the events and distinguish between legitimate security operations and incidents that require a separate investigation.
He noted that Somalia has previously used fact-finding commissions when sensitive incidents occur, and called for the same approach to be used in drone incidents.
