Dr. Ishmael Norman, a security analyst, discussed the recent conflict between military soldiers and illegal miners at AngloGold Ashanti’s concession in Obuasi. According to him, since the illegal miners forced their way into the mining concession, which was protected by the military, the trespass on private property must be categorically condemned.
He emphasized the soldiers’ right to self-defense in his Saturday appearance on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue.
“The unexpected encroachment of a group of people onto private property that is under military guard is unacceptable. They see a crowd approaching, throwing things at them, and to be frank, even if I was there, I would have shot whoever was attacking me. I think we should put ourselves in the shoes of the soldiers,” Dr. Norman stated.
“They have a right to self-defence. They have a right to kill anybody who is trying to kill them. As a former soldier, if I was there, that is exactly what I would have done. Why do you have to encroach on someone’s private property in a mob? Why? Is it yours?”
In that time, the conflict claimed the lives of nine people while injuring numerous others to some degree.
Source: Citinewsroom.com