troop

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…

AU and Somalia Find Common Ground on Troop Contributions 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…

The recent expulsion of French troops from Côte d'Ivoire signals a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of West Africa. This move follows a similar withdrawal from Chad earlier this year and mirrors actions taken by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—countries that have exhibited a growing discontent with French military presence. Could this be the death knell for French influence in the Sahel region? To understand the implications of this trend, one must delve into the intricate tapestry of historical relations.…

In a recent assertion that reverberated through the corridors of Parliament, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola unequivocally dismissed the mounting calls for South Africa to withdraw its military presence from the tumultuous Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). To suggest such a retreat, Lamola stated, is nothing short of “worse than surrender.” His words were steeped in concern, reflecting the gravity of the situation following the tragic loss of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers, who…

Hargeisa (AX) — North Western State of Somalia's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, has thrown down the gauntlet with an audacious promise: to forge an elite military force that's as cutting-edge as they come. Picture this—troops armed to the teeth with futuristic weaponry, ready to defend every inch of North Western State of Somalia's territory, from the sun-baked desert borders to the rippling expanse of its seas. Now, isn't that a thrilling vision?Over the weekend, nestled amidst the distinct vibes of Hargeisa,…

Burundi, a country known for its significant role in the African Union's peacekeeping missions in Somalia, has made the decision to withdraw from the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) due to disagreements regarding troop numbers. This withdrawal marks a notable shift, especially considering Burundi's longstanding commitment to stabilizing the region over the past 17 years. The crux of the issue lies in the allocation of troops; Somalia proposed deploying just 1,041 soldiers from Burundi, a figure that the…

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, known as ATMIS, has recently turned over a significant forward operating base to the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), marking a pivotal step in their mission's phased withdrawal. This handover, which took place on Thursday, saw the Burgavo Forward Operating Base change hands, wrapping up the third phase in ATMIS's drawdown strategy. Stationed on the southern coast of Somalia, 530 kilometers from Mogadishu, the Burgavo base, previously controlled by Kenya’s Defense Forces…

Mogadishu (AX) - The Somali government firmly declared its control over selecting which international allies will provide forces for the African Union's upcoming Stabilization Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, set to succeed the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) at the dawn of January 2024. On Wednesday, a formal communique from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored the necessity for troop decisions to mesh with Somalia’s core interests and sovereign rights. The administration took a strong…

In the whirlwind of regional politics, the involvement of Egypt in Somalia's security landscape has sparked a fair amount of jitters among nations and international partners engaged in the African Union peacekeeping mission there. Egypt, flexing its military muscles, seems keen to play a pivotal role in Somalia as the African Union’s existing mandate wraps up. But oh, the plot thickens like a good mystery novel...Security wonks hint that this new player on the block—Egypt, wielding its influence by backing Somalia—has given…

Southwest Region's Leader Applauds Federal MPs for Their Backing of Pro-Ethiopian Troop Demonstrations Baidoa (AX) — Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, the leader of the Southwest region, expressed his approval on Monday for the federal lawmakers from the area who stood firm in their support for demonstrations advocating for Ethiopian military presence in the Bay and Bakool regions. During his remarks in Baidoa, Laftagareen likened the backing of these 25 parliamentarians to the spirit of the 13-SYL youth initiative.…