Somalia’s Foreign Minister Accuses AU Mission Head Amid Rising Tensions with International Partners

MOGADISHU – Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has launched a scathing verbal attack on Sivuyile Bam, the Acting Head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), describing him as a “threat to Somalia’s development and security” and accusing him of sympathizing with the militant group Al Shabaab.

The criticism comes at a time of heightened security tensions across several regions in Somalia, including the recent takeover of Aadan Yabaal district in Middle Shabelle by Al Shabaab — a development that has stirred deep concern among the Somali public and officials alike.

In a televised interview on national TV, Minister Fiqi accused Bam of sending biased reports and ignoring the gains made by the Somali National Army (SNA) and local Ma’awisley militias in their fight against terrorism. “He is working against the support Somalia needs and disregards the progress we have achieved,” Fiqi said, without presenting any concrete evidence to support his allegations.

Mr. Bam has yet to respond directly to the claims. However, in a statement issued during the 65th anniversary of Somalia’s national army, he reaffirmed AUSSOM’s recognition of the SNA’s “critical role in maintaining security and stability” in the country and pledged continued collaboration with the federal government to protect civilians.

Fiqi also claimed that the Somali government had taken action against Bam, though he did not specify what that action entailed.

The minister’s remarks coincide with a noticeable decline in relations between Somalia’s presidency and international partners, particularly those countries supporting the fight against Al Shabaab. Diplomats say President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has failed to meet the expectations of key allies by not extending political inclusivity and consultations as recommended, especially in recent efforts to resolve national political tensions.

Some international observers believe the president is politicizing the security file and sidelining federal member states, further complicating the fragile national consensus. Western donors are reportedly concerned about the growing disconnect and are pushing for greater unity among Somali political actors to address the worsening security landscape.

Fiqi’s accusations come ahead of a crucial United Nations Security Council debate on the future of AUSSOM’s funding model. The United States has already signaled opposition to Somalia becoming the first test case for a new hybrid financing structure for African peacekeeping missions — a position that could further strain the mission’s operations.

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