MOGADISHU, Somalia – Burundi has withdrawn from the new African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) due to a lack of consensus with Somalia over troop allocation.
Burundi’s ambassador to the AU, Willy Nyamitwe, discussed with his Djiboutian counterpart, Abdi Mahamoud Eybe, Chair of the AU Peace and Security Council, Burundi’s concerns over troop numbers.
Ambassador Nyamitwe urged Eybe to inform the Peace and Security Council of Burundi’s decision not to participate in AUSSOM, confirming that the country will not join the mission.
Burundi is reportedly dissatisfied with the proposal to limit its troop numbers to 1,041 personnel, demanding at least 2,000 soldiers to ensure its forces’ safety.
Burundi rejected deploying a small force to the Gedo region to take over Ethiopian-held bases, leaving them no choice but to snub AUSSOM, the sources said.
The sudden withdrawal by Burundi raises concerns that the new mission may face a new challenge, as Somalia has already excluded Ethiopia from troop-contributing countries due to its sovereignty violations.
Reliable sources say Burundi is being influenced by Ethiopia, seeking to shape international perceptions by framing Somalia as heading toward a situation similar to Afghanistan.
Ethiopia argues its troops’ presence in Somalia is essential for combating Al-Shabaab, defying Somalia’s demand for their withdrawal by December 31.
However, Somalia is expected to release the names of each country participating in AUSSOM, despite the mission being set to last only one year due to the U.S. cutting funding. The new mission is scheduled to begin next month, replacing ATMIS.
