Burundi Exits Somalia Peace Mission Over Troop Dispute.

Burundi, a major contributor to African Union peacekeeping forces in Somalia for 17 years, has decided not to participate in the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), citing a dispute over the number of troops.

This decision follows a disagreement with Somalia over troop allocation to the Burundi National Defense Forces (BNDF), which is a blow to peacekeeping efforts in the region. Somalia offered Burundi only 1,041 troops, which Burundi deemed inadequate and disrespectful since it wanted at least 2,000 soldiers.

Burundi launched its military engagement in Somalia in December 2007 as part of AMISOM. They helped recapture key strategic locations in Mogadishu, including the Defense Ministry compound, in heavy ground combat operations.