By Abukar Osman - Reporter
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MOGADISHU, 28 Oct — Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has called for an independent investigation into fighting on 26 October in Jamea, Bay region, amid conflicting reports about casualties.
Farmaajo, in a statement on Wednesday, criticized the government's handling of political disputes and military operations, accusing it of using military force to address political disagreements. He said such actions put the lives of Somali soldiers at risk.
"No political interest is worth the blood of a Somali soldier," Farmaajo said.
He called for an investigation into the Jamea incident and previous incidents, urging authorities to hold accountable anyone found responsible for negligence.
It is the second such call. Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed had also called for an independent investigation.
The Federal Government said its forces killed nearly 75 Al-Shabaab members and wounded another 56 during the fighting in Jamea. The government said the battle was part of Operation Banooda and that Al-Shabaab had attacked military vehicles using vehicles packed with explosives.
However, the government's statement did not specify the number of Somali soldiers killed or wounded.