Burundi halts troops pull-out from Amisom, inks deal with AU on force stipends

Burundi has dropped its bid to withdraw its troops serving under Amisom in Somalia as it strikes deal with the African Union to pursue a compromise deal with the European Union on modalities of paying Burundian soldiers in Somalia.

Burundi’s first President Gaston Sindimwo told the media in Bujumbura Thursday that his country was satisfied with a position reached with the African Union Peace Commissioner Smail Chergui who made a two day charm offensive to the East African country amid fears of a hurt on Amisom should Burundi make good its threat.

“We have found a solution that safeguards our national sovereignty and therefore the issue of the withdrawal of our soldiers from Amisom no longer arises,” Gaston Sindimwo, Burundi’s first vice-president, told AFP.

According to the deal which has not been made official by the AU, stipends meant for Burundi soldiers in Somalia will be remitted through a private bank bypassing the Central Bank. It is not however clear if the EU would accede to the deal even as it raises concerns its funds should not be used to aid President Pierre Nkurunziza’s actions against his people.

The EU has for a year now held to its guns vowing to remit the payments only directly to the troops without having to use any government channels. Sindimwo said his government has signed a memorandum of understanding with ambassador Chergui.

Analysts however raise concerns over the impartiality of the private bank adding Nkurunziza could still have influence over the process. Paul Williams an associate professor at Elliot School International Affairs in the US who has written extensively on Amisom funding notes concerns could still rise over the idea of using a private bank.

“But there may be problems if the private bank used is run by people appointed by Pres. #Nkurunziza‘s. Details needed,” said Williams in a tweet.

Burundi has 5,400 soldiers in Somalia serving in sector one which covers Bay and Bakool regions in south western Somalia with a few other soldiers serving alongside Ugandan soldiers in Lower Shabelle region dubbed sector three.