The government of Burundi is making urgent efforts to withdraw its troops from Somalia before the conclusion of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), according to a report by *Africa Intelligence*.
The report notes that Burundian forces—which have been operating in Somalia since 2007, beginning with the AMISOM mission—rely heavily on logistical support from the United Nations. This support is critical for their movements and operations, and remains essential even as they prepare to exit the country.
This support is provided by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), which facilitates services for African Union forces, including the provision of food, fuel, transport, and medical services.
These developments come at a time when the future of the AUSSOM mission is marked by uncertainty, driven by funding shortages and logistical challenges, amid ongoing debates regarding how the mission will continue and how long it will remain active in Somalia. United Nations Security Council Resolution 2809, adopted in December 2025, authorized the continuation of the AUSSOM mission until December 31, 2026, with a planned force strength of up to 11,826 military and police personnel.
The withdrawal of Burundian troops could represent another significant shift in the composition of the African Union forces in Somalia, at a time when the Federal Government is working toward having national forces assume full responsibility for the country’s security.
However, the report by Africa Intelligence did not specify the number of Burundian troops slated for withdrawal, the official timeline for their departure, or the locations from which they will be withdrawn.
