Burundi Objects to AU’s Withdrawal from Somalia

The government of Burundi is contesting a decision by the African Union (AU) to withdraw Burundian soldiers from Somalia. 

Burundi currently has 5,400 troops serving in the country as part of the African Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).  Under AU plans the forces will now be scaled back with Somali armed forces replacing foreign troops. 

The decision has significant financial implications for Burundi, with the AU paying around $6 million every month in compensation. Each soldier receives a monthly salary of $1,028, with the government taking a $200 cut. As such the troops are an important source of foreign currency for Burundi, particularly given the cut backs in donor funding received by the country following the political crisis that arose in 2015 when President Nkurunziza determined to run for the presidency again despite having reached the constitutional limit of two-terms. The resulting protests and violent crackdown prompted widespread condemnation.

Since 2007 1,000 Burundian soldiers have been killed while serving in the force.