Jowhar, 1 July 2026 – The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Burundi contingent today marked Burundi’s 64th Independence Anniversary at its headquarters in Jowhar, reaffirming its commitment to peace and security in Somalia.
The celebration brought together guests including officials of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hirshabelle State, AUSSOM leadership, the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), Somali security forces, and community elders.
Burundi gained independence from Belgium on 1 July 1962.
AUSSOM Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma, who officiated at the celebrations, praised Burundi’s longstanding contribution to regional peace and security, describing its deployment to Somalia as a strong demonstration of African solidarity and collective security.
“I want to thank the Republic of Burundi for supporting other African countries, including Somalia,” Lt. Gen. Kavuma said.
Burundi was the second country after Uganda to deploy troops to Somalia in 2007, as part of the then African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM), to fight al-Shabaab.
Over the past 19 years, Burundian forces have supported the Somali Security Forces in the fight against Al-Shabaab, protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian access, and helping stabilise liberated areas.
Lt. Gen. Kavuma noted that the sacrifices made by Burundian peacekeepers over nearly two decades have greatly contributed to Somalia’s stabilisation and regional peace and security.
In his remarks, AUSSOM Burundi Contingent Commander, Brig. Gen. Michel Ndenzako said the collaboration and support of the Somali federal and regional state authorities have been instrumental to AUSSOM’s success.
“I thank the leaders of the Federal Government of Somalia and Hirshabelle State for ensuring the peacekeeping mission goes smoothly,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Ndezako reaffirmed Burundi’s commitment to working alongside Somali security forces and local authorities to achieve peace and stability.
“I assure you that we will spare no effort to work together in security matters and development initiatives,” he added.
The Hirshabelle State’s Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Farah Mohamed Osman, thanked AUSSOM Burundi troops for their dedication and sacrifice in pursuit of peace in Somalia.
“We appreciate the sacrifices made by the Burundian troops for peace and stability in Somalia, and remain committed to strengthening our collaboration,” he said.
The minister acknowledged the strong partnership between Somalia and Burundi, emphasising that the sacrifices of Burundian peacekeepers have advanced Somalia’s journey toward lasting peace.
The anniversary celebration served as a reminder of Burundi’s enduring contribution to peace and regional solidarity, while also reaffirming the shared commitment of AUSSOM, the Somali Government, and international partners to building a secure and prosperous Somalia.