Burundian Troops to Exit Somalia as Egypt Joins AU Mission

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Burundian troops are set to withdraw from Somalia following a breakdown in negotiations between the federal government of Somalia and Burundi over the number of soldiers to be deployed under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The announcement comes as Egyptian forces prepare to join the mission, bolstering the African Union’s efforts to combat insurgency in the Horn of Africa nation. The disagreement between Somalia and Burundi centered on troop contributions, with no resolution reached, prompting Burundi’s exit from the mission.

Neither government disclosed specific figures for Burundi’s intended deployment. Meanwhile, Egypt has committed 1,091 troops to AUSSOM, marking its entry into the AU-led operation.

AUSSOM, which succeeded the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), relies on contributions from several African nations to maintain security and support Somalia’s fight against al-Shabab militants. Current troop-contributing countries include Uganda with 4,500 soldiers, Kenya with 1,410, Ethiopia with 2,500, and Djibouti with 1,520.

The shift in troop dynamics comes at a critical time for Somalia, as the federal government works to strengthen its security apparatus amid ongoing threats. Egyptian forces are expected to arrive in the coming weeks, though exact deployment dates remain undisclosed.

Somali and AU officials have not commented on how Burundi’s withdrawal might impact AUSSOM’s operations. Analysts suggest the addition of Egyptian troops could help offset the loss, but the mission’s effectiveness will depend on coordination among the contributing nations.

GAROWE ONLINE