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The African Union (AU) has agreed to extend the stay of Burundian troops in Somalia for another six months. This move aims to strengthen efforts against the extremist group al-Shabaab and help Somalia build a stable and secure government.
The decision was made on Thursday during a virtual meeting held by ministers from member countries of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), which handles peace and security matters across the continent.
Burundi’s soldiers were initially expected to leave Somalia by June 30, 2025. However, they will now remain temporarily under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) at the start of 2025.
Their continued presence is seen as important for supporting Somali forces and maintaining order in areas that are still threatened by al-Shabaab. The extra six months will also give other countries contributing troops to AUSSOM more time to organize and finalize their own deployment plans.
During the session, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, stressed the need for a stronger financial foundation for AUSSOM. He suggested holding a financing conference and proposed that a Gulf nation could host it. The goal is to secure long-term funding for the mission and make sure all financial activities are more transparent.
“We are urging all AU member states to contribute more meaningfully through the AU Peace Fund,” Omar said. “African leadership and accountability are essential to attracting global support and ensuring AUSSOM’s long-term success.”
Although AUSSOM is a crucial mission for Somalia’s security, it still lacks enough funding. The United Nations has called for $41.6 million in extra-budgetary funds to keep it running smoothly. At the same time, the political situation in Somalia remains fragile, and the threat from al-Shabaab continues to be serious.
Originally, the annual budget for the mission was estimated at $190.2 million. However, after deciding to maintain the monthly troop reimbursement rate at $828 per soldier—rather than increasing it to $1,000—the budget was reduced to $166.5 million. This decision was made to cut costs but has also raised concerns about whether it will affect the morale and performance of the troops.
Burundi has been one of the most committed countries to African Union peacekeeping missions in Somalia. For nearly 20 years, its forces have helped fight insurgents and support efforts to rebuild Somalia’s institutions. The AU’s decision to extend their stay shows how important Burundi’s role has been and highlights the ongoing security challenges Somalia still faces.
The extension also reflects broader disagreements among AUSSOM’s contributing countries about how fast troops should be deployed and how responsibilities should be shared. While some countries are ready to send forces, others are still making preparations or have concerns about logistics and funding.
As Somalia continues its journey toward full control of its own defense and governance systems, the support of the African Union and international partners remains vital. With the right backing and coordination, Somali forces are expected to gradually take on more responsibility, allowing AU troops to withdraw in a way that does not compromise national security.
In the meantime, the presence of experienced troops like those from Burundi will help bridge the gap, ensuring that gains made in the fight against al-Shabaab are not lost. The AU hopes that this six-month extension will provide enough time for all parties to align their efforts and build a solid foundation for Somalia’s long-term peace and stability.