Thursday January 2, 2025
Burundian peacekeepers stand in formation during a ceremonial event in Somalia. The troops, part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), played a key role in stabilizing the country over 17 years before their recent withdrawal following disagreements over the new AUSSOM framework. CREDIT / ATMIS
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia has officially ended the deployment of Burundian troops in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), effective January 1, 2025.Somalia's decision to transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM reflects its push for greater sovereignty in security operations. The new mission will deploy 12,626 personnel, including 1,040 police officers, compared to the 20,000-strong ATMIS force. Somali officials have secured bilateral agreements to deploy an additional 11,000 troops, aiming to fill potential security gaps left by the reduction in international forces.
At least 734 Burundian troops had returned home from Somalia last week.
The Burundian contingent, once a key component of the 20,000-strong ATMIS force, had contributed 5,500 soldiers since its deployment in 2007. Burundian troops were instrumental in liberating strategic locations, including Mogadishu's Ministry of Defense headquarters, from al-Shabaab. However, Somali officials increasingly questioned their effectiveness in combating al-Shabaab and raised concerns over alleged misconduct, including financial mismanagement and collusion with militants.
Adding to the strain, reports of corruption among Burundian officers further tarnished their reputation. Allegations of embezzlement and facilitation of militant activities eroded trust, with Somali officials advocating for a more streamlined and accountable peacekeeping force.
Burundian troops have suffered considerable losses during their 17-year deployment, with over 1,000 soldiers killed and many others injured or captured. Despite their sacrifices, Somalia's Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur confirmed in a December 26 letter that Burundi would not participate in AUSSOM due to disagreements over troop numbers. Somalia allocated only 1,041 slots to Burundi in the new mission, far below the 2,000 troops requested by Bujumbura.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Burundian officials, who accused Somalia of ingratitude. "We have witnessed betrayal and ingratitude from Somalia despite the immense sacrifices we made in the fight against al-Shabaab," a senior Burundian official told Ugandan media. Diplomats demanded an apology, characterizing Somalia's actions as disrespectful.
Somalia, however, framed the transition as a necessary shift toward more sustainable and Somali-led operations. Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi acknowledged Burundi's contributions, stating, "Their bravery is etched in history, and Somalia remains forever grateful for their enduring legacy."
"The focus is on building a capable, self-reliant national army," said a Somali government official, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming sovereignty over security matters.
Burundi's withdrawal comes amid broader tensions within the region. Ethiopia's participation in AUSSOM remains uncertain due to disputes over territorial agreements with Somaliland and allegations of arms smuggling. Somali officials have hinted at excluding Ethiopian forces from the mission, with other countries, such as Egypt, being considered as replacements.
Meanwhile, Burundian troops returning from Somalia are expected to be redeployed to eastern Congo, where they are engaged in operations against the M23 rebel group. This redeployment underscores the competing security priorities faced by African Union member states.