21 January 2008
Bujumbura — Two hundred and twenty Burundian troops have joined their comrades-in-arms in Somalia where they are serving in the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM).
Their deployment had been delayed by a lack of financial means. The American Embassy to Burundi has supplied fuel for the planes that transported the entire battalion to Somalia. The remaining soldiers will be deployed within one week.
A company of about 100 Burundian troops was deployed to Somalia on 22 December 2007. This vanguard was sent to prepare for the arrival of the entire force. They advance company has also been assisting Somali by providing them medical assistance and clean water.
The first battalion of 850 troops Burundian in total will be deployed to Somalia. The American government has provided substantial support to the government of Burundi to ensure the success of this mission. The American government does want its troops to remain in the war-torn Horn Africa. Its military intervention in Somalia in the 90's ended in disaster.
The government of Burundi states that its policy is to deploy troops to other region of the world as a sign of gratitude as well and as a gesture toward improving its global image. The government of Burundi is, however, short of money and hopes to draw some dividends from this operation. Sources say that the United Kingdom will pay Burundian troops deployed in Somalia for the several first months.
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