Report on Drone Strikes v. Civilian Casualties in Somalia.
**Introduction:**
Somalia has been experiencing ongoing drone attacks, primarily conducted by foreign powers targeting militant groups operating within the country. While these operations aim to combat terrorism and insurgent activities, they often result in civilian casualties and raise significant humanitarian concerns. This report examines the impact of drone attacks on civilians in Somalia and provides recommendations for mitigating civilian harm.
Methodology
To compile a report on drone strikes versus civilian casualties in Somalia, a comprehensive methodology used include:
1. Data Collection: Gathering information from reliable sources such as governmental reports, media outlets, humanitarian organizations, and independent research institutes.
2. Identification of Drone Strikes: Determine the scope of drone strikes in Somalia during the specified time period. This involves identifying strikes conducted by various actors, including the United States, Somalia, and other international entities.
3. Verification of Civilian Casualties: Assess the reliability of reported civilian casualties associated with drone strikes. This may involve cross-referencing multiple sources and fact-checking to ensure accuracy.
4. Categorization of Civilian Casualties: Classify civilian casualties based on factors such as age, gender, location, and circumstances surrounding the incident.
5. Analysis of Patterns and Trends: Identify patterns in drone strike operations and their impact on civilian populations. This includes examining geographic locations, frequency of strikes, and changes in tactics over time.
6. Comparison with Other Forms of Conflict: Compare the civilian casualty rates from drone strikes to those resulting from other forms of conflict in Somalia, such as conventional warfare or terrorist activities.
7. Ethical Considerations: Address ethical concerns related to the use of drones in targeted killings and the potential for civilian harm. This includes evaluating adherence to international humanitarian law and human rights standards.
8. Recommendations: Provide recommendations for policymakers, military commanders, and humanitarian organizations to minimize civilian casualties while effectively targeting militant groups in Somalia.
**Scope of Drone Attacks:**
Drone attacks in Somalia are predominantly carried out by external actors, e.g., the United States, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and other international partners, as part of counterterrorism efforts against Al-Shabaab and other extremist groups. These strikes typically target militants’ hideouts, training camps, and leadership figures in remote and densely populated areas.
**Impact on Civilian Population:**
1. **Civilian Casualties:** Despite efforts to minimize collateral damage, drone strikes in Somalia have resulted in civilian casualties, including women, children, and non-combatant men. The lack of precision in targeting and intelligence gaps contribute to unintended civilian harm. The civilian casualties resulting from drone strikes in Somalia surpassed 5,000 figures according to domestic statistics.
The pentagon has accepted to make amends to civilian casualties after advocacy launched by the advocates for victims International INGO in collaboration with local human rights CSOs who part of the international campaign of “Stop Killer Robots”. Turkey trains Somali National Army and conducts drones strikes, thought its role is now overtaken by the Somali government, after arms embargo was lifted by the UN Security Council. United Arab Emirates UAE is another key player but often accused to be a trouble maker by secretly deploying its drones and deadly weapons in some parts of Somalia like Somaliland, and Juba regions in souhthern Somalia.
UAE is known to be involved in destabilising activities apart from its secret drone strikes in Somalia, where local leaders and analysts accuse UAE to be funding and running the pirates and their piracy activites in puntland region of Somalia. The legal experts doubt if UAE is accountable to the international legal mechanisms like the ICC for its role in fueling wars in different parts in Africa, notably; Somalia and Sudan.
2. **Psychological Trauma:** Drone attacks create a climate of fear and anxiety among the civilian population, particularly in areas frequently targeted by airstrikes. The constant threat of drone strikes disrupts daily life, exacerbates mental health issues, and traumatizes communities.
3. **Displacement:** The fear of being caught in drone strikes prompts civilians to flee their homes, leading to internal displacement and humanitarian challenges. Displaced populations often struggle to access basic services, livelihood opportunities, and protection.
**Challenges and Concerns:**
1. **Lack of Transparency:** The opacity surrounding drone operations in Somalia, including the absence of detailed reporting on strike locations, targets, and civilian casualties, hampers accountability and prevents meaningful oversight.
2. **Violation of International Law:** Allegations of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, including the principle of proportionality and the duty to distinguish between civilians and combatants, raise serious legal and ethical concerns.
3. **Impact on Peace and Stability:** Civilian casualties and the resentment generated by drone strikes risk fueling grievances and radicalization, undermining efforts to achieve long-term peace and stability in Somalia.
**Recommendations:**
1. **Increased Transparency:** External actors involved in drone operations should enhance transparency by publicly disclosing information on strike policies, procedures, and civilian casualty assessments.
2. **Adherence to International Law:** All parties conducting drone strikes in Somalia must comply with international humanitarian law and human rights law, including conducting thorough assessments of potential civilian harm and taking all feasible precautions to minimize casualties.
3. **Engagement with Local Communities:** Efforts should be made to engage with affected communities, listen to their concerns, and provide avenues for redress and accountability.
4. **Investment in Alternatives:** Prioritize investments in development, governance, and conflict resolution initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of extremism and reducing the reliance on military solutions.
**Conclusion:**
Drone attacks in Somalia, while aimed at combating terrorism, pose significant risks to civilians and undermine efforts to achieve sustainable peace and security. It is imperative for all actors involved to prioritize the protection of civilians, adhere to international legal standards, and engage with local communities to mitigate harm and build trust. Only through comprehensive and rights-based approaches can the cycle of violence be broken and lasting peace achieved in Somalia.
AAD Research Team
Sources
https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/projects/drone-war/somalia/
https://airwars.org/civilian-casualties/?country=somalia&belligerent=us-forces
https://www.newamerica.org/future-security/reports/americas-counterterrorism-wars/the-war-in-somalia/
https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/controversy-over-us-strikes-somalia
https://www.fcnl.org/updates/2022-11/more-american-drone-strikes-wont-make-somalia-safer
Ilhan Omar Demands Pentagon Compensate Somali Drone Strike Victims
24 Groups to Pentagon: Make Amends for Civilian Harm in Somalia
https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7exg8/us-airstrikes-have-torn-somali-families-apart-theyre-still-seeking-justice
https://continent.substack.com/p/an-american-drone-killed-my-sister
