Burundian Troops to Remain in Somalia for Six More Months as Transition Delays Persist

Context and Overview

The African Union has decided to extend the presence of Burundian peacekeeping forces in Somalia for an additional six months, highlighting both the complexity of ongoing stabilization efforts and the fragile state of the security transition currently underway. Initially scheduled to withdraw by the end of June 2025, the Burundian contingent will now stay through the end of the year to help bridge operational gaps as Somalia prepares to take on more responsibility for its own security.

This move underscores the continued importance of foreign peacekeepers in Somalia's stabilization journey—and the logistical and political hurdles still facing the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Why the Extension Was Necessary

Several factors led to the African Union’s decision:

• Incomplete Deployments from Other Countries
  Key troop-contributing nations have not yet finalized their deployments under the new AUSSOM framework. With these delays, a full withdrawal of Burundian forces would have left critical territories vulnerable, increasing the risk of renewed militant activity.
• Operational Continuity on the Frontlines
  Having served for years in some of Somalia’s most volatile regions; Burundian troops bring both experience and strategic stability. Their continued presence ensures that counterinsurgency momentum against al-Shabaab is not lost during this transitional period.
• Logistics and Funding Challenges
  The new mission has faced significant operational challenges, including funding constraints and logistical slowdowns. Until those issues are resolved, extending existing deployments has become a necessary stopgap to preserve gains on the ground.

On the Ground Realities

For the Burundian forces, this extension means months more in a demanding theatre of operation. For Somali communities, it offers reassurance that key defensive lines will not be abruptly left unguarded. However, the extended presence of foreign troops also highlights lingering concerns about the pace of Somalia’s full security handover.

In regional terms, the decision reflects deeper dynamics among contributing countries—some more ready and better resourced than others—which continues to shape the rollout of AUSSOM and the evolving balance of leadership within the mission.

Looking Ahead

This extension should be seen not as a setback, but as a recalibration—acknowledging that transitions in fragile contexts must be guided by ground realities rather than deadlines. Somalia's path to full sovereignty over its security apparatus remains within reach, but will depend on continued support, mutual accountability, and careful planning.

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