MOGADISHU, Somalia – In the bustling corridors of international diplomacy, the African Union (AU) and Somalia have finally reached a crucial accord regarding the troop strength for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This resolution comes after a series of protracted discussions marked by intricate deliberations and thoughtful negotiations.

The path to consensus was anything but smooth. Notably, the journey was marred by differing views between Somalia and Ethiopia, compounded by Burundi’s strong disapproval of its designated troop contribution. As the debate unfolded, Burundi’s resistance culminated in an unsettling impasse, eventually leading to its decision to pull back troops after terms couldn’t be aligned with their expectations.

For those curious about the intricacies of these diplomatic maneuvers, the agreement stipulates that a total of 11,900 personnel, comprising soldiers, police forces, and technical experts, will now lend their service to stabilizing the tumultuous Horn of Africa. Expectations are set with Uganda contributing 2,500 troops, Ethiopia allotting approximately 1,520 personnel, while Djibouti and Kenya are to provide 1,410 and 1,091 troops, respectively. One might wonder, wouldn’t the absence of Burundian troops create a vacuum too large to fill?

“The departure of Burundi would have significant political and financial repercussions for the AU,” a source confided to VOA under the shroud of anonymity, encapsulating the complexities this decision entails.

Amidst these deliberations, looming over the horizon is the issue of funding, particularly for AUSSOM—a concern that remains largely unaddressed. It paints a stark picture of imbalance, where Burundi, despite its staunch contributions, feels neglected. Isn’t it fair for their sacrifices to be acknowledged and concerns appropriately addressed?

Amidst these diplomatic intricacies, the situation’s nuances continue to unfold. Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Egypt are poised to deploy their police contingents across major strategic cities within Somalia—Mogadishu, Jowhar, and Baidoa, to name a few. Interestingly, the genesis of this troop deployment can be traced back to Somalia’s discrepancies with Ethiopia, exacerbated by the latter’s agreement with the North Western State of Somalia region. This geopolitical entanglement presents a well-trodden testament to how alliances and rivalries shape regional stability.

Yet, resolution isn’t always elusive. The tale took a favorable turn as Turkey, often flexing its diplomatic muscles, mediated the discordant parties, cementing the rekindling of Somali-Ethiopian relations. Such was the diplomatic finesse that, this past week, the Ethiopian National Defense Forces’ Chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, graced Mogadishu—ironing out erstwhile differences through pragmatic diplomacy.

The story’s climax was succinctly detailed by the Somalia’s National News Agency, SONNA, asserting the discussions zeroed in on counterterrorism strategies, regional stabilization, and evaluating Ethiopian forces’ pivotal role in AUSSOM.

“The chiefs underscored the role of ENDF (Ethiopian National Defense Force) in African Union peace support operations and agreed on the Force disposition of ENDF in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM),” reported a SONNA communiqué.

As history retrospectively acknowledges Ethiopian troops for liberating Mogadishu from the grasp of Al-Shabaab, their efforts in stabilizing the Southwest and Gedo regions continue to resonate deeply. However, looking toward the horizon reveals an ambitious vision where the Somali National Army is expected to step up, gradually inheriting the mantle of the nation’s security responsibilities.