Burundi Slams Somalia for Betrayal in AUSSOM Troop Snub

Nairobi - Burundi has withdrawn from the nascent African Union Stabilisation Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), citing a significant disagreement on troop numbers which they label as a "betrayal" by Somalia.

Tensions flared when Somalia restricted Burundi's troop deployment to just 1,041 soldiers for AUSSOM, far less than the 2,000 Burundi sought to contribute. A letter dated December 26 from Somalia's Defence Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur to his Burundian counterpart confirmed the decision, prompting the Burundi National Defence Forces (BNDF) to step back from the operation.

A high-ranking Burundian official, speaking under condition of anonymity to Ugandan media, lambasted Somalia's decision, saying, "This is a clear case of betrayal and ingratitude, especially after our substantial efforts in fighting Al-Shabaab."

Since 2007, Burundi has been instrumental in Somalia's security landscape, initially through AMISOM and then ATMIS, at one point deploying over 5,400 troops. They were pivotal in operations that included liberating strategic sites like Mogadishu's Ministry of Defence from Al-Shabaab control.

The diplomatic fallout has been palpable, with a Burundian diplomat voicing frustration to VOA, stating, "Calling them ungrateful is an understatement; Somalia owes us an apology."

From Somalia's perspective, the shift to AUSSOM is seen as a step toward greater self-reliance. The new mission, due to start in January 2025, will feature a leaner force of 12,626, including 1,040 police. Somalia has also secured bilateral deals to deploy 11,000 additional troops to cover the security needs left by the departing international forces.

Somalia's Deputy UN Envoy, Mohamed Yusuf, underscored the importance of these agreements for continuing the fight against Al-Shabaab, while Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi acknowledged Burundi's legacy, describing it as "ingrained in Somalia's history."

The broader regional dynamics add another layer of complexity, with Ethiopia's participation in AUSSOM in limbo due to territorial disputes and allegations of arms trafficking. Discussions are circulating that Egypt might replace Ethiopia in the mission, which could significantly alter its composition.

However, Burundi's exit from AUSSOM highlights the intricate negotiations around troop deployments and the delicate balance of international relations in the context of Somalia's long-term security strategy.

GAROWE ONLINE