KAMPALA: The Deputy Special Representative of the African Union Commission in Somalia, Mr. Simon Mulongo, has been designated ‘persona non grata’ and given seven days to leave the country.
According to a diplomatic note issued to the AU by Federal Republic of Somalia Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Thursday, 04 November 2021, Mulongo is accused of engaging in subversive activities.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia presents its compliments to the African Union Commission and has the honour to inform the commission, the individual fisted below is designated ‘persona non grata’ and ordered to leave Somalia within seven (7) days, for engaging in activities in-compatible with AMISOM’s mandate and Somalia’s security strategy,” the statement reads in part.
It adds: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the African Union Commission, the assurances of its highest consideration.”
This comes after the emergence of a leaked WhatsApp message purportedly authored by Mulongo, criticising the Somalia ruling government led by President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, aka Farmaajo.
The message read: +254 721 799723 –Simons: The 17/9 agm, if it were, why and who is responsible for its failure? How come all the 3 remain intractable points of departure? We’re they agreed to on the 17/9? Now VS thinks it’s entirely the two musketeers who are a problem.
The duo believe it’s VS. Dichotomous positions makes the argument. Rather than spend time wandering around or talking to Deni properly serious pressure should be placed on Farmaajo. But Deni is also a wolf in sheep’s clothing and their hatred of each other from a clan perspective goes back a long way. Remember also Deni is a “higher caste” sub clan in the eyes of many Darod than Farmaajo 09:42.”
It added: “I think he needs a much firmer handling because this is dangerous and it is about the future of the country and also birders on demolishing the gains made. He should be offered soft landing to leave as an alternative.”