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Amid Diplomatic Tensions, Somalia Secures AU Support as Burundi’s Role Remains Uncertain
The Federal Government of Somalia and the African Union have finalized an agreement on the composition of troop-contributing countries for the new AU mission in Somalia, following weeks of diplomatic disputes. Initial disagreements arose between Ethiopia and Somalia over a controversial sea access deal with Somaliland, and later between Somalia and Burundi regarding the number of troops each country would contribute.
An AU official, speaking anonymously due to a lack of authorization to discuss the matter publicly, revealed to VOA that Burundian forces—who have been stationed in Somalia since 2007—will be withdrawing after both governments failed to reach an agreement on Burundi’s troop numbers.
The newly established African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is set to deploy 11,900 personnel, including soldiers, police, and civilian support staff, as confirmed by Somali and AU officials. Under the agreed framework, Uganda will contribute 4,500 troops, Ethiopia 2,500, Djibouti 1,520, Kenya 1,410, and Egypt 1,091.
A second AU diplomat, also requesting anonymity, indicated that negotiations regarding Burundian troops are still ongoing. The diplomat warned that Burundi’s withdrawal could have significant political and financial consequences for the AU. Additionally, funding for AUSSOM remains unresolved. “Burundi has made considerable sacrifices, and their concerns must be addressed,” he emphasized.
Several hundred police personnel from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Egypt will also be deployed in key Somali cities, including Mogadishu, Jowhar, and Baidoa, to support security operations.
The delay in finalizing troop contributions was mainly attributed to tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over the latter’s controversial agreement with Somaliland on January 1, 2024. Mogadishu strongly opposed the deal, denouncing it as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, was at the center of the dispute.
Diplomatic tensions de-escalated after Somalia and Ethiopia reached a breakthrough agreement on December 11 in Ankara, facilitated by Turkey. The two nations pledged to resolve their disputes and focus on cooperation. As a result, this week saw Somalia and Ethiopia sign an agreement to formalize Ethiopian participation in AUSSOM.
The agreement followed a high-level Ethiopian delegation’s visit to Mogadishu over the weekend, led by Ethiopia’s military chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, and intelligence chief Redwan Hussien. They held discussions with their Somali counterparts, General Odawa Yusuf Rage and Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbalolshe. Somali and Ethiopian state media confirmed the meeting, emphasizing that the talks focused on counterterrorism efforts, regional stability, and Ethiopia’s role in AUSSOM.
According to a statement from Somalia’s National News Agency (SONNA), both nations acknowledged the importance of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) in AU peacekeeping efforts. The agreed force disposition ensures Ethiopian troops will be stationed in the same Somali regions they have historically operated in—Gedo, Bay, Bakool, and Hiran. The only new country joining the AU mission is Egypt, which has supported Somalia in its diplomatic dispute with Ethiopia.
Ethiopia also maintains a separate military presence in Somalia under a bilateral agreement. This week’s negotiations reaffirmed that arrangement, with both sides agreeing to draft a Status of Force Agreement (SOFA) for all bilateral forces operating in Somalia.
Uganda was the first country to deploy AU forces in Somalia in March 2007 when al-Shabab was gaining strength in the country. The militant group, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., continues to pose a significant threat to Somalia’s internationally recognized government. On Tuesday, al-Shabab launched multiple attacks in central Somalia, temporarily seizing villages before government forces successfully repelled them.
Meanwhile, in the semi-autonomous Puntland region, security forces have intensified their nearly two-month-long offensive against Islamic State militants. Local security officials express confidence in capturing the group’s main stronghold within days, marking a significant development in the fight against extremist groups operating in Somalia.