The African Union (AU) has extended the presence of Burundian troops in Somalia for six months as they will be part of the operations of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
This came after it was previously planned that the Burundian troops were supposed to leave Somalia by the end of June 30, 2025.
The decision came after a meeting was held by the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) in which it was stated the urgent need to fill the void of AUSSOM troops.
There was a postponement when it comes to bringing troops from countries that are joining the operations particularly Egypt.
The Burundian troops will be stationed in Somalia on a temporary basis in order to strengthen the ongoing fight with Al-Shabab while giving a support to the state-building and maintaining the internal security in Somalia.
During the sixth month extension of the presence of Burundian troops in Somalia, all troop contributing countries that are joining AUSSOM will fully complete their preparations.
The decision demonstrates the obstacles that the transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM is facing while financing and planning the troops are the current constraints.
