The African Union’s interim representative, Rahmon Adebayo, has arrived in Mogadishu after Somalia expelled his predecessor, Sivuyile Bam.
Bam was accused of actions incompatible with Somalia’s values and international diplomatic conduct.
His expulsion followed remarks during an April 9 UN Security Council meeting that angered Somali authorities.
Bam claimed Al-Shabaab had made gains in Middle Shabelle and was nearing Mogadishu.
Somalia said it will not tolerate behavior conflicting with AUSSOM’s mandate or national priorities.
He was ordered to leave and return to the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Somalia formally requested the AU to declare Bam “persona non grata.”
His comments drew backlash from Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi who accused him of supporting Al-Shabaab.
The dispute dates back to Bam’s time at the AU Peace and Security Council, from 2008 to 2021.
Somalia had initially objected to his 2023 ATMIS appointment, but later accepted it.
In 2022, Somalia also expelled the mission’s head Francisco Madeira under similar circumstances.
