Burundi, a significant contributor to African Union peacekeeping forces in Somalia for 17 years, has announced its withdrawal from the forthcoming African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This decision stems from disagreements with the Somali government over troop deployment allocations for the new mission.
Somalia has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Burundian forces for their crucial role in counterterrorism and stabilization efforts. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi praised their sacrifices in combating al-Shabaab and supporting the nation’s recovery. Highlighting their contributions under AMISOM and ATMIS, Fiqi emphasized the lasting legacy of Burundian forces in Somalia’s security history.
Burundi’s withdrawal follows the ATMIS drawdown, where 734 troops returned home in December 2024. The country’s concerns over a reduced role in the leaner AUSSOM framework reportedly influenced its decision. AUSSOM, authorized by the UN Security Council, will deploy 12,626 personnel to bolster Somali-led counterterrorism operations, support stabilization, and facilitate humanitarian aid.
Somalia aims to assert greater sovereignty during this transition, securing agreements for the deployment of 11,000 troops. However, the country faces financial and logistical challenges, relying on a hybrid funding model involving the UN, African Union, and international partners.
Ethiopia’s participation in AUSSOM also remains uncertain due to ongoing tensions with Somalia over territorial and logistical disputes. Somalia has hinted that Ethiopian forces might be replaced by contingents from other nations.
As the new mission begins, maintaining momentum against al-Shabaab and fostering regional cooperation will be critical to AUSSOM’s success.