Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza and his Somali counterpart, Mohamed Farmaajo are expected to hold bilateral talks this week on ‘strengthening cooperation on security and expanding trade and economic partnerships’
According to Africa News, the meeting comes as Burundi prepares to withdraw up to 1,000 of its troops from Somalia.
Burundi is one of the African nations that contributes troops to the United Nations and African Union funded peacekeeping mission in Somalia.
Media reports suggest that Burundi troops to leave Somalia this month even though local authorities worry about the security implications.
The president of HirShabelle state in Somalia, Mohamed Abdi Waare, warned against a rushed withdrawal plan, saying it could leave his state vulnerable to attacks.
Burundi troops operating under AMISOM have their main base in Jowhar, the administrative capital of HirShabelle State.
“The transition plan is finally becoming a reality and there are painful decisions that have to be taken,” said President Waare.
