AU boss defends embattled representative to Somalia

Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the AU. February 10, 2016. AMISOM Photo

ADDIS ABABA - Moussa Faki, the African Union Commission Chairperson has come into a strong defense of embattled special representative to Somalia Ambassador Francisco Madeira, who was declared persona non grata by Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble.

In a surprise move, Roble ordered Madeira out of the country, accusing him of meddling in the internal affairs of the Horn of Africa nation. The PM insisted that his actions have repeatedly "undermined the sovereignty of Somalia" for years.

But the statement was quickly dismissed by outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, who argued that he had not "signed any authorization" to have Madeira kicked out. The envoy has been in Somalia since 2015.

And Faki expressed concerns about the status of Madeira based on Roble's statement, adding that he notes with "appreciation" the statement released by Farmaajo over the status of Madeira. He further said he "regretted" the issuance of the aforementioned press release.

While reaffirming the commitment of the Federal Government of Somalia to continue its working relationship with Ambassador Madeira in particular, and the new AU Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] in general, he argued that AU will continue cooperating with Somalia.

"The Chairperson reaffirms his full trust and confidence in SRCC Ambassador Madeira and reiterates the African Union’s continued commitment to support the sisterly nation of the Federal Republic of Somalia in its pursuit to restore lasting peace, security, and stability," the statement further read.

For years, Ambassador Francisco Madeira, a Mozambique national, has been under pressure to resign, with a host of opposition politicians and senior government officials, who accuse him of working closely with the federal government, whose modus operandi is " questionable".

The ambassador is often accused of cooperation with Farmaajo which is termed as " toxic and unprecedented". In previous pressers, the special representative has often denied the allegations, arguing that they are fabrications.

An analyst told Garowe Online that a diplomat cannot discharge his/her duties when his integrity is being questioned. The SRCC’s issue is now a divisive matter pitting the two top offices against each other. It should be interrogated extensively, and the AU should not have responded hastily.

GAROWE ONLINE