A diplomatic storm is brewing in Somalia following remarks made at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) by Sivuyile Bam, deputy head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Bam’s stark and controversial assessment of Somalia’s security landscape — claiming that Al Shabaab militants are now stronger than ever and have re-established bases near Mogadishu — has triggered outrage among Somali government officials and sparked calls for his expulsion from the country.
Bam’s comments, which were made during a briefing to the UNSC in New York earlier this week, have been described by Somali officials as not only misleading but also an insult to the sacrifices made by both Somali security forces and African Union troops. The remarks stand in stark contrast to the Somali government’s narrative and recent military successes, which include the liberation of over 130 towns and villages from the terrorist group Al Shabaab.
A Stark Contrast Between Words and Reality
In his address, Bam painted a grim picture of Somalia’s security situation, asserting that Al Shabaab remains an existential threat and is now operating with increased freedom around the outskirts of Mogadishu. “Despite the efforts, with money and blood, of ATMIS and Somali forces, Al Shabaab have based with the vicinity of Mogadishu and are stronger than ever before,” Bam told the Council.
These remarks have been met with disbelief and anger in Mogadishu. According to sources within the Federal Government of Somalia, senior officials were left “deeply upset” by Bam’s speech, which they viewed as not only detached from ground realities but also harmful to the morale of Somali forces and the general public.
Somalia’s Security Gains Overlooked
Government officials and security analysts argue that Bam’s statement dangerously overlooks the substantial progress Somalia has made in its war against terror. In the past two years, under the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the Somali National Army (SNA), supported by local communities and ATMIS, has recaptured more than 130 towns and villages from Al Shabaab control, particularly in the central regions of Galmudug and Hirshabelle.
In addition to these territorial gains, Mogadishu — long a flashpoint of terrorist attacks — has experienced a relative calm for the first time in nearly 15 years. Major attacks have significantly declined, and security checkpoints have been reduced in the city, a sign of growing confidence in local law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
“The deputy’s remarks are not only inaccurate but undermine the work of thousands of brave Somali and African Union troops who have fought and died to Al Shabab from Somalia,” said a senior government official who requested anonymity. “We are not claiming total victory, but to suggest things are worse than ever is factually wrong and diplomatically irresponsible.”
In the wake of the controversial speech, sources within the federal government have indicated that the Somali government is actively considering declaring Sivuyile Bam persona non grata (PNG), a formal move that would effectively expel him from the country. While no official statement has yet been released, several insiders suggest that a decision could be announced within days.
“If he stays, it will damage the trust between the Somali government and the African Union mission,” said one political advisor. “His words have given propaganda material to our enemies and demoralised our allies.”
Such a move would not be unprecedented. Somalia has in the past expelled diplomats and international representatives whose actions were deemed incompatible with the country’s sovereignty or national interests. However, expelling a senior AU official would mark a serious escalation in tensions between Somalia and its regional partners at a time when ATMIS is preparing to hand over full security responsibilities to Somali forces by the end of 2024.
Silence from the African Union
So far, the African Union has not issued a formal response to the controversy. Attempts to reach the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa for comment have been unsuccessful. However, officials close to ATMIS have reportedly expressed concern over the growing rift, fearing it could jeopardize coordination on remaining security operations.
Analysts note that this diplomatic row could overshadow the AU’s final phase of transition in Somalia, where troop drawdowns are already underway. A poorly managed exit, they warn, could lead to a power vacuum and embolden terrorist elements.
“The AU and Somalia need each other during this critical period. But mutual respect is essential,” said Fatima Abdi, a Horn of Africa security expert based in Nairobi. “Diplomatic missteps like this can set back years of cooperation.”
Mixed Reactions Among Somalis
The reaction among the Somali public has also been vocal. On social media, many citizens expressed anger and confusion over Bam’s comments, viewing them as dismissive of the daily realities faced by ordinary Somalis who have seen tangible improvements in security.
“In 2010, we couldn’t walk freely in Mogadishu. Today, I can take my children to the beach. That’s not because Al Shabaab is stronger — it’s because we’ve fought hard to take our country back,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
However, some voices have called for calm and dialogue rather than confrontation. “We should not let one bad statement ruin the relationship between Somalia and the African Union,” said Mohamed Nur, a political science lecturer at the Somali National University. “Let’s hold people accountable, but also keep the bigger picture in mind.”
This incident comes at a delicate time for Somalia, which is ATMIS forces completed withdrawal in December 2024. The Somali government has committed to assuming full control of national security responsibilities and has launched programs to train and equip tens of thousands of new security personnel.
The stakes are high, and the current controversy serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between domestic progress and international diplomacy. While the Somali government insists on acknowledgement of its security gains, international actors often take a more cautious view, concerned about long-term stability and governance challenges.
Yet, most agree that the way forward lies in constructive engagement — not public criticism that can be interpreted as demoralising or dismissive. Whether or not Sivuyile Bam remains in his post, the Somali government’s message is clear: Somalia’s security progress deserves recognition, and its sovereignty must be respected.
HoA Editor’s Note: This article will be updated if official responses are issued by the African Union or the Federal Government of Somalia.
