By Zamzam Osman

Burundi has announced its decision not to participate in the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) due to a disagreement with Somalia regarding the allocation of troop numbers from the Burundi National Defense Forces (BNDF). The announcement was made in a statement by Burundi’s Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU), H.E. Willy Nyamitwe.

The disagreement centers on how many troops Burundi would contribute to AUSSOM, a mission aimed at stabilizing Somalia and supporting its transition to self-reliant security. Despite discussions, the two countries failed to reach a consensus, prompting Burundi to withdraw from the mission.

In a phone conversation with H.E. Eybe Abdi, the Djiboutian Chair of the AU Peace and Security Council for December 2024, Ambassador Nyamitwe expressed Burundi’s disappointment over the situation. He also reiterated Burundi’s commitment to supporting regional stability through other means.

“The lack of agreement on this important issue is unfortunate,” stated the Burundi Embassy. “Burundi has consistently supported peacekeeping missions across Africa, and we hope future opportunities for collaboration will be more successful.”

Implications for AUSSOM

Burundi’s decision not to participate could affect AUSSOM’s readiness and capacity to fulfill its mandate. As one of the leading contributors to the previous African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Burundi played a crucial role in counter-insurgency operations and stabilizing conflict-prone areas. Its absence from AUSSOM may leave a gap that other nations will need to fill.

AUSSOM is a successor to ATMIS, with a revised focus on stabilizing Somalia, countering insurgent groups, and gradually transferring security responsibilities to Somali forces. Burundi’s withdrawal adds to the challenges faced by the mission, which already operates in a complex and volatile environment.

The African Union and the AU Peace and Security Council are expected to address the issue to ensure AUSSOM remains operational and effective. Diplomatic efforts may also be made to resolve the disagreement and encourage Burundi’s future participation in regional peacekeeping efforts.

Burundi’s Peacekeeping Legacy

Burundi has a long history of contributing to peacekeeping missions across Africa, including its significant role in AMISOM. Its troops have been recognized for their contributions to combating insurgent threats and providing security in fragile regions. This decision marks a rare instance of Burundi stepping back from a major AU-led initiative.

Burundi’s announcement highlights the importance of unity and collaboration in African peacekeeping efforts. While the disagreement over troop numbers is a setback, it also underscores the need for improved dialogue and consensus-building among member states.

For now, attention shifts to how AUSSOM’s leadership will adjust to Burundi’s non-participation and maintain momentum in its mission to stabilize Somalia. Both countries and the AU remain hopeful that differences can be resolved to foster stronger partnerships in the future.