Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, Albert Shingiro, arrived in Mogadishu today for a two-day visit.
The Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed his Burundian counterpart and delegation at the Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu.
During their introductory meeting, the two officials discussed the Burundian government’s security support to Somalia, as Burundi is among the troop contributors to the African Union Forces’ ATMIS operation.
The Burundian delegation, which includes General Silas Ntigurirwa, an advisor to the President of Burundi on military affairs, will meet with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Burundi Minister will convoy greetings from President Ndayishimye to President Mohamud.
The African Union Peace and Security Council is expected to convene on April 27 to discuss the future of the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis). This comes after repeated calls and signals that Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud wants the force to stay beyond its December 31, 2024, exit date.
The initial plan was for the draw-down to begin in June and be completed by December next year.
