Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – Burundian troops, part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), will remain in the country for an additional six months, despite their initial scheduled departure by June 30, 2025. This decision was made during the 1287th meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) on July 3, 2025.
The AUPSC stated that the extension was necessary to maintain the stability of AUSSOM operations in Somalia. The council also authorized logistical support from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) for all AUSSOM military and police forces, including those whose transfer was delayed for operational reasons, for a period not exceeding six months.
“The Council decided that all AUSSOM military and police forces currently in the mission area, including those whose transfer from the mission area was suspended on June 30, 2025, for operational reasons, will be eligible for logistical support from UNSOS for a period not exceeding six (6) months,” said the council’s statement.
Burundi was initially set to withdraw to allow for the transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to AUSSOM. However, disagreements over troop allocations and delays in the deployment of Egyptian forces led to the extension of Burundi’s presence to ensure operational stability.
The AUPSC also called for further collaboration between the United Nations, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other key partners to organize a resource mobilization conference for AUSSOM, with an annual budget requirement of $166.5 million.
This extension highlights the ongoing challenges faced by international peacekeeping missions in Somalia, including troop rotations, funding, and coordination between governments and international organizations.
