Burundi exits Somalia peacekeeping mission over disagreements on troop allocations

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Monday December 30, 2024

Burundian troops board a plane in Mogadishu as part of the second phase of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) drawdown, marking the end of their deployment after 17 years of service in stabilizing Somalia. Photo Credit: TARRIFA

Mogadishu (HOL) — Burundi, a major contributor to African Union peacekeeping forces in Somalia for 17 years, announced on Sunday that it will not participate in the upcoming African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), citing disagreements over troop deployment numbers with the Somali government.

The Somali government on Sunday expressed deep gratitude to Burundian peacekeeping forces for their contributions to security and counterterrorism efforts. Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi lauded the bravery and sacrifices of Burundian troops, describing their role as pivotal in combating al-Shabab and stabilizing the country. “We deeply honour the Burundian forces of AMISOM/ATMIS for their sacrifices in supporting Somalia’s security and revival and fighting terrorism. Their bravery is etched in history, and Somalia remains forever grateful for their enduring legacy.” Fiqi wrote in a social media post.

Burundi’s decision to withdraw follows a failure to reach consensus on troop allocations for the leaner AUSSOM framework. Burundi, which once deployed 5,432 troops at the height of AMISOM operations, cited concerns over the limited role it would be allowed to play in the new mission. According to reports, began scaling back its presence as part of the ATMIS withdrawal plan. In December 2024, 734 Burundian troops returned home as part of the second phase of the ATMIS drawdown mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 2710.

In a statement issued by the Burundian Embassy in Addis Ababa, Burundi’s Permanent Representative to the African Union, Willy Nyamitwe, revealed that he held a phone call with Djibouti’s Permanent Representative to the AU, Eybe Abdi, who chairs the AU Peace and Security Council for December 2024, to communicate Burundi’s “unfortunate non-participation” and discuss possible ways forward.

On Friday, the United Nations Security Council authorized AUSSOM to replace ATMIS, which concludes its mandate at the end of December 2024. AUSSOM will deploy up to 12,626 personnel, including 1,040 police officers, to support Somali-led operations against al-Shabaab, strengthen stabilization efforts, and facilitate humanitarian assistance.

Somalia has framed the transition as an opportunity to assert greater sovereignty, securing bilateral agreements to deploy 11,000 troops. However, it faces logistical and financial challenges, including reliance on a hybrid funding model that splits costs between UN-assessed contributions (75%) and the African Union and other partners (25%).

While Burundi steps away from the mission, Ethiopia’s participation in AUSSOM remains uncertain due to simmering tensions with Somalia. Disputes stem from Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland over Red Sea port access, which Somalia views as a violation of its territorial integrity. Recent clashes in Jubaland and allegations of Ethiopian arms smuggling have exacerbated mistrust.

Although Turkey brokered the Ankara Declaration in December, aimed at resolving disputes, recent clashes in Jubaland and allegations of Ethiopian arms smuggling have deepened mistrust. Somali officials have suggested that Ethiopian troops might be excluded from AUSSOM, with their roles potentially filled by forces from other countries such as Egypt.

The backdrop to these regional dynamics is Somalia’s relentless battle with al-Shabaab, a group that continues to launch deadly attacks across the region. AUSSOM’s success hinges on maintaining momentum in counterterrorism efforts, bolstered by international partnerships and Somali-led initiatives.

To mitigate these risks, Somalia said it had secured bilateral agreements ensuring the deployment of 11,000 troops for AUSSOM deployment. “This commitment addresses potential security vacuums while sustaining progress in the fight against al-Shabaab,” Somalia’s Deputy UN Envoy Mohamed Yusuf told the UN Security Council.

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