Burundi Troops Leave Somalia Amid AUSSOM Force Size Dispute

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Burundi’s bold decision to withdraw its troops from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) echoes a significant diplomatic rift. This decision unfurls a tapestry of questions and challenges amid an already complex scenario in the Horn of Africa. What exactly prompted this exit, and what are its implications for the region struggling against the tide of extremism?

Once heralded as a symbol of collaborative security, the AUSSOM mission faces its fair share of trials. Set against a backdrop of the Somali National Army (SNA)’s plan to assume more responsibility in safeguarding the nation’s peace, the intended reduction in foreign troop numbers was contentious. Mogadishu and Bujumbura found themselves at odds, particularly over the count of Burundian soldiers who should stay engaged under the new mission parameters.

Burundi had ambitions, desiring to double their contribution from the current contingent to over 2000 soldiers, a stance that did not align with Mogadishu’s vision. Such deliberations may remind one of the Confucian maxim that “it does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop”—a sentiment urging patience and dialogue.

While the dust of this disagreement settles, a new development rises on the horizon as Egyptian troops step into the fray, suggesting an uninterrupted commitment to regional stabilization. The inclusion of Egypt in the mission emphasizes the African Union’s strategic shift following the conclusion of the previous ATMIS mission in 2025.

Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Egypt now hold the torch, each with designated military numbers: 4500 Ugandan troops, 1410 Kenyan, 2500 Ethiopian, 1520 from Djibouti, and 109 Egyptians. The African Union, with backing from both the European Union and the United Nations, funds these operations. Such international involvement beckons the thought: Is global stability achievable without collective action?

Recently, Ethiopia and Somalia displayed an exemplary stride in diplomacy by establishing a “Status of Force Agreement (SOFA).” This agreement framed as a bastion for Ethiopian troops operating in Somalia, anchors a renewed hope in peace amidst the tumultuous seas of regional instability. The chief of Ethiopia’s National Defense Force, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, led the delegation that brokered this agreement, underscoring mutual efforts to defuse diplomatic tensions.

“We’ve learned that peace is not merely an absence of war, but the presence of understanding.” – Anonymous

However, despite these diplomatic overtures, Somalia remains besieged by the intransigent threat of Al-Shabaab. Reports of a calculated, multi-front assault in the Hiran region disturbingly remind us of the calculated ferocity with which these factions operate. Dawn attacks on villages such as Aboorey highlight the resilience and desperation of militants determined to destabilize any efforts toward peace.

An anecdote shared by a local underscores the chilling resilience of communities: “We repelled them with everything we had at Beero Yabaal,” revealed one resident to the Voice of America. Yet, Al-Shabaab claims, albeit unverified, of having ‘overrun’ certain areas, paints a nerve-wracking picture of the skirmishes that citizens endure.

Such episodes are a grim testament to the Somali government’s ongoing battle against extremism. It’s worth questioning, how much longer can these communities withstand the relentless onslaught? Just a week prior, similar tactics resulted in reported casualties exceeding 130 militants in Middle Shabelle, yet verifying such numbers remains a challenge.

As the geopolitical landscape of Somalia continues to evolve, and with foreign troops cyclically retreating and returning, an old adage comes to mind: All diplomacy is a continuation of war by other means. Look closely, and you’ll discern that dialogue, cooperation, and negotiation stand as the only pillars on which sustainable peace can truly rest.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.