The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has decided to extend the mandate of Burundian troops in Somalia for an additional six months, after their withdrawal was originally scheduled for June 30, 2025.
The decision was made during a virtual council meeting, which reviewed delays in launching the new African Union Stabilization Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), the successor to the former ATMIS transitional mission.
According to an AU statement, the delay in launching the new mission stems from logistical challenges and the lack of readiness among contributing countries—especially Egypt, which is expected to join the mission soon.
The extension will allow member states to complete preparations for troop deployment under AUSSOM, while Burundian forces continue to support security operations against al-Shabaab and reinforce Somali government efforts during the transition phase.
The African Union also highlighted financial and logistical hurdles affecting the transition process, which have disrupted the timetable for transferring security responsibilities to Somali forces.
Burundi, which has participated in peacekeeping operations in Somalia for over a decade, had previously announced plans to withdraw its troops. However, the latest extension underscores the complexities of the transitional phase and the ongoing security challenges posed by the al-Shabaab insurgency.
Burundian troops remain a key pillar of the AU presence in Somalia, playing a vital role in counterinsurgency efforts and stabilization.
The Somali government renewed its call for increased international support for the AUSSOM mission, emphasizing the need for sustainable funding to ensure the country’s long-term stability.
