Burundi is taking the path of Uganda while Somalia faces security challenges

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – The future of the African Union operation AUSSOM is facing new changes, as the government of Burundi is making efforts to withdraw its troops from Somalia before the end of the operation's mandate, while the government of Uganda recently withdrew its first contingent, according to reports from Africa Intelligence.

The plan from Burundi comes at a time when AUSSOM has permission to continue operating until December 31, 2026, as stated in the United Nations Security Council resolution number 2809, which was approved in December 2025, with the operation planned to reach up to 11,826 soldiers and police.

The Burundian forces have been in Somalia since 2007, at which time they were part of the AMISOM operation, and for a long time, they have heavily relied on logistical support from the United Nations to carry out their operations and movements within Somalia.

Significant support is provided by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), which facilitates services for the African Union forces including food supply, fuel, transportation, and medical services, with this support being crucial even when planning for the withdrawal of the troops.

AUSSOM is currently facing economic and logistical support challenges, which has sparked debates about how the operation can be sustained and how long it will continue to operate in Somalia.

If the Burundian forces withdraw from Somalia, this step could represent another significant change in the structure of the African Union forces, as the federal government is undertaking efforts to fully prepare the national forces to take over the country's security responsibilities.

However, the exact number of Burundian troops planned for withdrawal, the official timing of their departure, and the location from which they will exit have not yet been officially announced, making the details of the plan still not fully known.