AU and Somalia agree on 11,900 troops for AUSSOM after tense talks. Egypt joins, Burundi exits. Al-Shabaab threat still looms.
🌍 AU Confirms Troop Contributions for Somalia Stabilization Mission
The African Union (AU) and the Federal Government of Somalia have finalized troop commitments for the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), ending weeks of tense negotiations—particularly with Ethiopia and Burundi.
AUSSOM officially replaced the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in January 2025, but disagreements over force composition delayed its full launch.
👥 11,900 Troops Confirmed
According to Somali and AU officials, AUSSOM will consist of 11,900 personnel, including military, police, and civilian support teams. Key troop contributions include:
- Uganda: 4,500
- Ethiopia: 2,500
- Djibouti: 1,520
- Kenya: 1,410
- Egypt: 1,091
The inclusion of Egypt marks its first-ever military deployment to Somalia, reflecting warming relations amid Horn of Africa geopolitical tensions.
🇧🇮 Burundi to Exit After Dispute
Burundi, a long-time contributor to AU peacekeeping in Somalia since 2007, will withdraw entirely from AUSSOM. According to Voice of America, the decision follows disagreements over troop numbers and funding guarantees.
“Burundi sacrificed a lot. Their concerns should be addressed,” said a senior AU diplomat, warning that the exit could have political and financial consequences.
🤝 Ethiopia-Somalia Deal Eased Tensions
The breakthrough came after a December 2024 diplomatic meeting in Ankara, brokered by Turkey, where Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to reset ties.
Tensions had flared after Ethiopia signed a controversial maritime access deal with Somaliland on January 1, 2024—a move Mogadishu condemned as violating Somalia’s sovereignty.
A follow-up high-level delegation from Ethiopia, including Field Marshal Birhanu Jula and intelligence chief Redwan Hussien, visited Mogadishu and signed a military cooperation deal with Somali officials.
🚁 Joint Operations Target Al-Shabaab
AUSSOM has already begun operations alongside the Somali National Army (SNA) in key conflict zones amid a new offensive against Al-Shabaab.
In March, the Ethiopian Air Force carried out airstrikes in Middle Shabelle in coordination with Somali troops. Simultaneously, U.S. and UAE-backed forces have intensified operations in Puntland targeting IS-Somalia and Al-Shabaab positions.
🚔 Police Deployments and Urban Security
Several hundred police officers from Egypt, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone will be stationed in Mogadishu, Jowhar, and Baidoa to assist with urban policing and civilian protection.
⚠️ Challenges Ahead: Clans, Divisions, and Funding
Despite multinational backing, a UN Security Council report warns that Al-Shabaab continues to exploit clan divisions and weak governance, undermining national cohesion.
Analysts say AUSSOM’s success will depend less on troop numbers and more on how the AU, Somali government, and international donors manage funding shortfalls, diplomatic trust, and domestic political fragmentation.
