Burundi Withdraws After 18 Years Amid Troop Allocation Rift
Mogadishu (AX) — In a pivotal twist of regional dynamics, Burundi has commenced the withdrawal of its troops from Somalia. This move marks the end of an 18-year era of military involvement under the auspices of the African Union’s peacekeeping initiatives. But what’s driving this significant change? The roots trace back to a contention over troop contributions to the recently minted African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, or AUSSOM, which took the baton from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, known as ATMIS, at the dawn of 2025.
Burundi has undeniably been a stalwart in this mission, its soldiers entangled in Somalia’s security fabric since the mission’s inception in 2007. At the apex of its participation, Burundi contributed over 5,500 troops, second only to Uganda. They were formidable in safeguarding critical sectors, notably around Mogadishu’s Ministry of Defense, engaging boldly in operations designed to expel al-Shabaab from their perches.
However, the narrative took a sharp turn when Burundi’s ambitions to field 2,000 soldiers with AUSSOM were thwarted. Instead, they were allocated a mere 1,041 slots, a decision perceived as a slight by Burundian leaders. The response was blistering. Accusations flew — betrayal, ingratitude — casting shadows over what was once a cooperative relationship. As one senior Burundian diplomat lamented to Ugandan media, “We have witnessed betrayal and ingratitude from Somalia despite the immense sacrifices we made.”
Historically, Burundi was among the earliest nations to back AMISOM, a commitment that came with costs. Over the years, more than a thousand Burundian soldiers sacrificed their lives, and many others returned home with horrors etched in their memories. Yet, a growing critique emerged around their effectiveness and alleged financial improprieties, putting a strain on Burundi-Somalia relations. Allegations of corruption and unsanctioned dealings with militants painted a picture of discord.
Meanwhile, from the Somali perspective, a different logic prevailed. As Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi articulated, integrating Burundi’s sacrifices into a cogent strategy for national security was essential. He asserted that the reshaping towards AUSSOM underscored Somalia’s quest for amplified sovereignty and self-reliance in defense matters. Somalia yearns for a nation fortified by its own resolve — a sentiment that resonates deeply in hearts longing for autonomy.
The void left by Burundi certainly sparks concerns, particularly regarding latent security vacuums in intricate counterterrorism landscapes. Yet, resilience emerges as other nations vow increased participation. Uganda has stepped forward, ready to bolster its presence under AUSSOM, while Egypt makes history with its inaugural Somalia deployment, sending 1,091 personnel to the mission.
In adapting to the demand for sustained engagement, the transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM leads to a downsized African Union troop presence. From the previous 20,000 personnel, numbers have dwindled to 12,626 soldiers, with an additional 1,040 police officers. Recognizing potential vulnerabilities, Somalia has ardently pursued bilateral agreements massing an extra 11,000 troops, steadfast in opposing al-Shabaab and retaking strategic territories.
Burundi, meanwhile, shifts its sights to new conflicts, with plans to redeploy troops to eastern Congo, underscoring the perpetual dance of regional military obligations. Their focus on the M23 rebel group in Congo speaks volumes of shifting alliances and commitments within the African Union.
AUSSOM itself faces broader intricacies. Ethiopia’s participation arose amid regional unease, fueled by their lapsed agreement with North Western State of Somalia for Red Sea port access, a deal Somalia found objectionable. Yet, diplomacy emerged victorious. Turkey’s mediation spurred dialogue, leading to the Ankara Declaration by December 2024. This diplomatic finesse enabled Ethiopia’s inclusion in AUSSOM, easing tensions and ushering in a new era of regional cooperation in 2025.
Despite the trials, Somalia is steering towards an era of comprehensive national control over its security mechanisms. Building a resilient, autonomous force remains the mission,” a Somali government official reflected. This national ambition isn’t merely about territorial defense. It’s about encapsulating a future where Somalia declares, ‘We are capable, we are sovereign, and we are ready for tomorrow’s challenges.’
Indeed, as the African Union, alongside international allies, strives to cement stability, one wonders which stories will someday be spun from today’s efforts. How will these ebbs and flows shape the enduring tapestry of Somalia’s narrative?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.