Burundian troops under AUSSOM evacuated from Xawaadley base amid heavy flooding in Somalia

The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has confirmed the safe evacuation of Burundian troops from the Xawaadley Forward Operating Base, northeast of Mogadishu, following severe flooding that necessitated urgent action.

AUSSOM confirmed in a Tuesday statement that all Burundian troops and accompanying crew were safely relocated to a nearby military base on Monday, with no casualties reported.

One of the helicopters used in the operation encountered a technical issue during the operation, but the pilots managed to manoeuvre and land it safely. The nature of the malfunction was not disclosed, but AUSSOM noted that the situation was managed effectively, allowing the mission to continue as planned.

The operation, coordinated across multiple teams to ensure a safe and timely evacuation, saw AUSSOM commend the Burundian soldiers for their preparedness and professionalism throughout the process.

In the press release, the Acting Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia, Kareem Adebayo, issued a statement acknowledging the efforts of the Burundian troops.

Heavy rains

“We commend the swift action of the AUSSOM Burundian troops during the delicate operation, and we reaffirm our continued support to the people and the Federal Government of Somalia in mitigating the effects of the flooding,” he said.

The evacuation followed days of heavy rain that affected several areas in Somalia, increasing concerns about the safety of personnel stationed at forward bases like Xawaadley.

AUSSOM did not specify the extent of damage to the base, but the decision to evacuate indicates that the flooding posed a risk to operational safety and logistics.

AUSSOM is part of the African Union’s efforts to support the Federal Government of Somalia in stabilisation and peacekeeping operations. The mission includes troops from several African countries, including Burundi, who have been stationed at key locations to assist in national security and humanitarian operations.

This latest development comes as Somalia faces recurring challenges related to climate conditions, including floods and droughts. The flooding not only affects military operations but also disrupts civilian life and access to essential services.

Efforts by AUSSOM and its partners to respond to the flooding include coordination with local authorities and other humanitarian actors.

While the statement focused on the military evacuation, it also pointed to the broader commitment of the African Union to support Somalia through ongoing challenges.

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