MOGADISHU, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) said Saturday it has launched an independent investigation after one of its soldiers shot and killed a civilian in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, on Friday.
"The findings will be shared with the Federal Government of Somalia," ATMIS said in a statement issued here.
The incident sparked demonstrations in Mogadishu with protesters carrying placards burning tires and blocking the Ceelgaab intersection where the killing took place.
ATMIS said its preliminary investigations revealed that an unidentified person hurled a suspicious object at one of the ATMIS trucks. The person later attempted to mount the truck, prompting a response from ATMIS soldiers who were escorting the vehicle.
"ATMIS commits to protecting the lives of civilians and will continue to uphold and respect the rights of all Somali citizens as prescribed in its mandate and to support the government in ensuring a peaceful and stable Somalia," it said.