Five AU peacekeepers arrested over theft of military supplies in Somalia

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on Monday confirmed five of its peacekeepers were arrested on Sunday for alleged involvement in illegal sale of military supplies.

AMISOM said in a statement it had launched investigations into the conduct of the troops and pledged stern action once probe was completed.

"AMISOM, in collaboration with the Somali police force will continue to investigate this matter to its ultimate conclusion. It will take the requisite steps to ensure that this practice is uprooted from within its ranks," it said.

Somali Police Commissioner, Gen. Mohamed Hassan Hamud, said the five AU soldiers and 10 civilians were nabbed in Benadir region.

The soldiers were arrested in a joint operation conducted by AMISOM and the Somali police, following probes that had been ongoing into the matter.

AMISOM said it had received information that its soldiers were allegedly involved in illegal activity.

"The investigation culminated in a joint operation to apprehend the soldiers, who were found in possession of fuel and sand bags," the AU statement said.

It said AU exercises zero tolerance to "unprofessional conduct" among its personnel and that the culprits will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

AMISOM has over 22,000 peacekeepers supporting the restoration of peace and stability in Somalia. It has been helping the Somali government battle Islamist group Al-Shabaab, which stages periodic attacks in the country. Endit