ADDIS ABABA (SD) – AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has opposed Prime Minister Roble’s ouster of African Union envoy Amb Madeira.

“The Chairperson of Commission of the African Union, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, expresses concern at the Press Statement issued recently by the Office of the Prime Minister of Somalia regarding the status of the Special Representative of the AU Chairperson of the Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira.”

The Chairperson expressed concern over the letter from PM Roble but also welcomed a letter from President Farmajo, reaffirming his commitment to working Amb. Madeira.

“In this regard, the Chairperson notes with appreciation, the official letter dated 7 April 2022 from H.E. President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed that 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.”

Adding “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.”

As it stands, the AU decision is a major political blow to Prime Minister Roble, and it is unclear what he will do next, in removing ambassador Madeira from Somalia.