The African Union forces in Somalia (AMISOM) have dismissed Ahlu Sunna Waljamaa that the AU force took part in the Guriel fighting as ‘false, toxic and malicious, deliberately intended to cause disaffection between AMISOM and the Somali communities.’.

Responding to the allegations by Ahlu Sunna, AMISOM said none of its soldiers provided any support to Somali forces during the four days long fighting in Guriel.

 

It, however, noted its forces were deployed in Dhusamareb to support the ongoing electoral process as ‘as part of the National Elections Security Taskforce strategy.’

"Since the fighting broke out in Guriel, AMISOM, both separately and as part of the international community-based in Somalia, has consistently appealed to the parties to cease fighting and seek to resolve their differences through dialogue,’ the statement read in part.

"They (AMISOM soldiers) have not provided support to the government of Somalia at either national or regional level to fight Ahlu Sunna Walja’ama, nor have they, in any way, been involved in the bloody armed confrontations between the government and Ahlu Sunna Walja’ama in Guriel town or elsewhere.”

Ahlu Sunna, whichvacatedGuriel on Tuesday, claimed AMISOM soldiers backed the federal and Galmudug forces and accused them of destroying medical facilities in the town.