Burundi extends mandate of Somalia peacekeeping force
Move follows East African state's announcement of withdrawing its peace troops from Somalia due to salary arrears
Burundi and the African Union's Commission for Peace and Security have signed an agreement to renew the mandate of Burundian peacekeeping troops in Somalia, African Union said Friday.
The move comes more than two months after Burundi said it would withdraw all its troops performing duties in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) due to a dispute with the EU over the payment of salaries.
"I thank #Burundi Ppl for their legendary hospitality & Govt for fruitful visit. Agreement reached; Burundi Peacekeepers will stay in Somalia," Smail Chergui, African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security tweeted.
"Africa is grateful for sacrifices made by #Burundi & all #AMISOMTCCs for peace in Somalia. We also deeply appreciate #EU's critical support," he added.
Chergui also said that very soon, the Burundian troops of AMISOM will receive their allowances, local media reported.
In March 2016, the EU suspended direct aid to Burundi, including funds for its peacekeeping contingent in AMISOM. Burundian troops have not been paid for 12 months, first vice-president Gaston Sindimwo said Tuesday.
Burundi's crisis began in April 2015 when President Pierre Nkurunziza said he would run for a third term of office.
The country is highly dependent on international aid, especially since more than 50 percent of government expenditure depends on it.
The EU is the biggest donor to Burundi with a program between 2014 and 2020 worth some €430 million ($468 million).
