Burundi, a long-time contributor of troops to African Union (AU) peacekeeping missions in Somalia, will not be part of the next AU mission. This decision has come as a disappointment to the Burundian government in Gitega, which has played a significant role in regional security since 2007.
The African Union Mission in Somalia was established in 2007 to help stabilize the country in the face of the Al-Shabaab insurgency. Burundi was one of the first nations to send troops, alongside Uganda. Over the years, Burundian soldiers fought in key battles and provided security in critical areas, often suffering heavy casualties. Their contribution helped strengthen the Somali government and weaken the militant group.
However, as AUSOM transitions into a new mission known as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSOM), Burundi has been left out. This decision has been heavily influenced by political and strategic considerations, with multiple factors shaping the AU’s new approach to peacekeeping in Somalia.
One of the main reasons behind Burundi’s exclusion is the African Union’s shift in strategy. The transition to AUSOM aims to gradually hand over security responsibilities to Somali forces, reducing the AU’s direct military involvement. As part of this transition, the AU has reassessed the role of contributing countries and adjusted troop deployments accordingly.
Burundi’s exclusion may also be linked to concerns about governance and human rights. The Burundian government has faced criticism for its handling of political opposition, human rights abuses, and internal instability. Some AU member states and international partners, including the European Union, have raised concerns about these issues, potentially influencing the decision to leave Burundi out of AUSOM.
Another factor is financial constraints. Maintaining a large-scale peacekeeping force is expensive, and AUSOM has been designed to be more cost-effective. Some reports suggest that Burundi’s participation may have been deemed too costly in the current economic climate, leading to a preference for other troop-contributing nations.
The Burundian government has expressed disappointment over the decision. Officials in Gitega see their country’s exclusion as a political move rather than a strategic necessity. They argue that Burundian troops have made significant sacrifices for Somalia’s stability and that their absence from the next mission weakens regional security efforts.
Burundi also fears economic consequences. The AU mission provided a significant source of income for Burundian troops, and the loss of this funding could have financial implications for both soldiers and the government. In the past, Burundian authorities have faced difficulties in paying their security forces, and the loss of AU funding may add to these challenges.
Burundi’s withdrawal from the AU mission raises concerns about security in Somalia. Burundian troops played a key role in stabilizing areas under AU control. Their absence could create gaps in security, giving Al-Shabaab an opportunity to regroup and launch new attacks.
However, Somali officials remain optimistic. The Somali government has been building its own security forces, and AUSOM is designed to gradually shift responsibilities to local troops. While challenges remain, Somali leaders insist they are ready to take on greater security responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the AU is expected to seek alternative troop contributors to fill Burundi’s role. Uganda, Egypt, Kenya, Djibouti, and Ethiopia have remained engaged in Somalia and could see their responsibilities increase under AUSOM.
Burundi’s exclusion from AUSOM marks a significant shift in Somalia’s peacekeeping landscape. While Gitega expresses disappointment, the AU is focused on transitioning security duties to Somali forces. The coming months will reveal how this decision affects both Burundi’s role in regional security and the overall stability of Somalia.
For now, Somalia moves forward with its security plans, while Burundi looks for alternative ways to remain relevant in regional peacekeeping efforts.
