A dispute between Somalia and Burundi over the number of Burundian troops hits the new African Union peacekeeping mission and is threatening to disrupt the transition.
Somalia allocated Burundi about 1041 troops to participate in the mission, but Burundi says the number is insufficient and could compromise the support and operational safety of its troops. Burundi wants to contribute at least 2000 soldiers, according to diplomats.
A letter dated Dec 26 written by the Defense minister of Somalia Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, refers to the “non BNDF [Burundi National Defense Forces] participation in AUSSOM.”
Nur cites lack of consensus about “the allocation of numbers” to BNDF for the “non participation.”
A Burundian diplomat confirmed the differences over the troops numbers.
“The Somalis officials disrespected us by allocating numbers that would’ve exposed our soldiers. Ungrateful can’t capture enough the sentiments of Burundians towards Somalis. Well done!” the official told VOA.
“Unless something changes between now and 31st December we will go home. We are not dying to stay. We were disrespected and deserve an apology” the Burundian diplomat added.
Also uncertain is the role of Ethiopian troops in the new AU mission. Ethiopian offocials said they are ready to participate in post-ATMIS mission, but Some Somali officials have doubted it while others insist no final decision has been made.
SOURCES; VOA