In a bold diplomatic move, Somali caretaker Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble expelled African Union envoy Francisco Madeira for “activities incompatible with his status,” widely interpreted as espionage and political meddling. Madeira, Special Representative of the AU Commission and head of ATMIS, had long been viewed as closely aligned with President Farmaajo and Somalia’s intelligence service (NISA), drawing criticism from the opposition and international observers for partisan behavior. The decision followed a leaked audio recording in which Madeira criticized Somali leaders and aligned himself with Farmaajo’s camp. His comments sparked outrage, confirming suspicions that the AU mission was entangled in Somalia’s political struggles. The directive also exposed deep rifts within ATMIS and Somalia’s own government, as Farmaajo quickly countered Roble’s move, claiming the PM lacked authority.