Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – Burundi has officially commenced the withdrawal of its troops from Somalia, ending an 18-year involvement in the African Union peacekeeping mission. The decision follows a dispute regarding troop allocation within the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Negotiations between the Federal Government of Somalia and Burundi’s leadership failed to yield an agreement, particularly after Bujumbura demanded a larger share of the AUSSOM troops. With its request rejected, Burundi chose to withdraw its forces, marking the end of its extended participation in Somalia’s security operations.
Burundi became the second country to send troops to Somalia in 2007 under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), with Uganda being the first. In recent years, the Burundian military has played a significant role in operations across regions like Banadir and Middle Shabelle. However, this involvement has come at a heavy cost, with hundreds of Burundian soldiers losing their lives in combat.
Current troop contributions from other countries include:
- Uganda: 4,500 soldiers
- Ethiopia: 2,500 soldiers
- Kenya: 1,410 soldiers
- Djibouti: 1,520 soldiers
- Egypt: 1,091 soldiers
Uganda remains the country with the largest number of troops in Somalia, continuing its role as the first nation to contribute peacekeeping forces to the country.
The restructuring of AUSSOM is part of Somalia’s broader security transition, which seeks to gradually transfer security responsibilities to the Somali National Army.