"We will protect ourselves from foreign interference just as we defended ourselves from those who previously tried to harm us," said Somalia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Macallin Fiqi, using strong language as he addressed individuals he claimed were in Xalane, seeking to spread false information about Somalia.
The Minister made these remarks during a meeting in Mogadishu, which was aimed at supporting Somalia's fight against Al-Shabaab, a campaign being led by various Somali clans.
Fiqi further stated on government media last night that the Acting Head of AUSSOM, Sivuyile Bam, was supporting Al-Shabaab, adding that Bam was against Somalia's progress, and that the government would take action against him.
Somalia accused the Acting Head of AUSSOM of being part of a group in Xalane that was spreading false information, including claims that Al-Shabaab had changed its behavior and was now acting like a government, committing no killings. Fiqi dismissed these claims as baseless.
"We are aware of individuals in Xalane, including the Acting Head of AUSSOM, who have been spreading lies about Somalia, and the Somali government will take action," Minister Fiqi said.
Fiqi also confirmed that he had sent a report regarding these accusations to the United Nations on the previous day.
The Minister warned that if Mr. Bam continues to spread false information, the Somali government would take appropriate action and would not remain silent.
This statement follows Mr. Bam’s submission to the UN Security Council on April 9, 2025, in which he stated that Al-Shabaab's power was growing and that the Somali government forces were facing strong resistance from the group. He further mentioned that Al-Shabaab was carrying out coordinated and complex attacks on multiple targets. Despite the accusations made by Minister Fiqi against Mr. Bam, he acknowledged that there were countries supporting Somalia's ongoing fight, providing aircraft and troops, and praised these nations for their assistance.
