AU and Somalia Finalize Troop Numbers for New Security Mission

Somalia and the African Union have agreed on specific troop contributions for the new AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).  The plan allocates soldiers from Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, and Egypt, while hundreds of police personnel from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Egypt will support operations in key cities. In total, 11,900 personnel, including soldiers, police, and civilian support staff, will be deployed to the country. However, diplomatic tensions remain as negotiations about the participation of Burundian troops continue. The agreement on troop contributions was delayed due to a rift between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa over Ethiopia’s sea access deal with Somaliland. With the mediation of Turkey, both countries have now resolved their issues, paving the way for them to continue their security collaborations.

Source: VOA