AU Extends Burundi Troop Deployment in Somalia by Six Months

The African Union has extended the deployment of Burundian troops in Somalia by six months, a move aimed at reinforcing the fight against al-Shabaab insurgents and supporting Somalia’s state-building efforts, officials have confirmed.

The decision was reached during a virtual session of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), the continental body’s primary decision-making organ on peace and security matters.

Burundian forces, which were initially scheduled to withdraw by June 30, 2025, will now remain temporarily under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

This mission replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on January 1, 2025, and is tasked with facilitating Somalia’s transition to full control over its security and governance institutions.

The extension comes amid ongoing disagreements among troop-contributing countries over the pace and structure of the new deployment under AUSSOM.

These tensions have underscored the complexities of ensuring a coordinated and effective mission in a fragile and volatile environment.

Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, underscored the urgent need for sustainable funding mechanisms for AUSSOM.

He proposed an international financing conference hosted by a Gulf nation to address the mission’s financial shortfalls and promote transparency.

“We urge all AU member states to contribute meaningfully through the AU Peace Fund,” Omar stated. “African leadership and accountability are key to attracting global support and ensuring AUSSOM’s long-term success.”

Despite the strategic significance of AUSSOM, the United Nations continues to seek an additional $41.6 million in funding for the mission, citing persistent threats from al-Shabaab and the fragile state of Somalia’s political institutions.

Burundi has been a key contributor to AU-led peacekeeping operations in Somalia for nearly two decades. The latest extension reflects the ongoing security and political challenges Somalia faces, as well as the critical role regional actors continue to play in stabilizing the Horn of Africa nation.