Burundi Withdraws from the Somalia Peacekeeping Mission Due to Troop Disagreement

Burundi Withdraws from the Somalia Peacekeeping Mission Due to Troop Disagreement 

Burundi, which has been a significant participant in the African Union’s peacekeeping efforts in Somalia for the past 17 years, has announced its withdrawal from the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The country cited a disagreement over troop numbers as the primary reason for its decision.

This move comes after a contentious negotiation concerning the allocation of troops to the Burundi National Defense Forces (BNDF). The Somali government proposed to provide Burundi with only 1,041 troops, a figure that Burundi has publicly condemned as insufficient and disrespectful. The Burundian government had been seeking a minimum of 2,000 soldiers to effectively carry out its mission.

Burundi began its military operations in Somalia in December 2007 as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Throughout its involvement, the Burundian forces have played a crucial role in reclaiming vital strategic areas in Mogadishu, including the takeover of the Defense Ministry compound, which involved intense ground combat efforts. This withdrawal not only marks a significant change in Burundi’s military commitment but also poses challenges to ongoing peacekeeping initiatives in the region.