African Union Extends Burundi Troop Presence in Somalia by Six Months

The African Union has extended the presence of Burundian troops in Somalia for an additional six months, reversing an earlier plan for their full withdrawal by June 30, 2025, as part of the transition from the ATMIS mission to the new AUSSOM force. The AU Peace and Security Council announced the decision following a meeting that highlighted the urgent need to fill “gaps” in AUSSOM troop deployments caused by delays from other contributing countries, particularly Egypt. Burundian forces will remain in Somalia temporarily to bolster ongoing operations against the al Shabaab insurgency and to support state-building and domestic security efforts, the AU said in a statement. The six-month extension is expected to provide time for all troop-contributing countries to finalize preparations for their deployment under AUSSOM, which is set to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The decision underscores persistent challenges facing the AU-led transition, including funding shortfalls and logistical hurdles that continue to complicate the handover process. Burundi has been a key contributor to AU peacekeeping efforts in Somalia for over a decade, with its troops playing a frontline role in efforts to stabilize the country. (Garowe Online)