Rep. Ellison Speaks with Interim Director of the African Union Mission in Somalia

Statement

On September 23rd, Rep. Ellison (D-MN) joined Mr. El-Ghasim Wade, the Interim Director of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), on a conference call to discuss reports that Somali women and girls have been raped and assaulted by AMISOM soldiers in Mogadishu

"The violence described in the Human Rights Watch report is disturbing," Rep. Ellison said after the phone call. "Women in Mogadishu should not fear soldiers sent to protect them. As the largest international funder of AMISOM, the United States has a responsibility to ensure that this investigation is transparent, thorough, and holds the perpetrators accountable. AMISOM leadership assured me they are investigating these incidents and I will be following up to make sure this can't happen again."

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