MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Burundi is set to withdraw its troops from Somalia after failing to reach an agreement with Mogadishu over the number of soldiers it would contribute to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The move marks a significant shift in the regional security landscape, as Burundi has been a key contributor to peacekeeping efforts in the war-torn nation for over a decade.
The dispute stems from what Burundi called unpalatable troop allocation assigned by the Somali federal government, which it claims disregards the sacrifices made by its forces in stabilizing the country. In a statement late last year, Burundian officials expressed frustration, arguing that the proposed quota failed to reflect their longstanding commitment to the mission.
According to Somali journalist Harun Maruf, Uganda has been allocated the largest contingent, with 4,500 troops, followed by Ethiopia with 2,500. Djibouti, Kenya, and Egypt have received significantly smaller quotas, though Egypt’s participation marks its first contribution to the mission—a development that underscores Cairo’s growing engagement in Horn of Africa security matters.
The Somali federal government has also signed a new agreement with Ethiopia, ensuring its continued involvement in AUSSOM despite earlier promises of a withdrawal. This decision highlights the complex and often contentious dynamics of regional diplomacy, as Mogadishu seeks to balance the interests of its international partners while addressing its own security needs.
Burundi’s withdrawal raises questions about the future of the AU mission, which has played a critical role in combating Islamist insurgents and stabilizing Somalia since 2007.
Analysts warn that the departure of a seasoned contributor like Burundi could strain the mission’s operational capacity, even as new players like Egypt step in to fill the void.
The development also underscores the challenges of multilateral peacekeeping efforts, where competing national interests and resource constraints often collide.
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