More than 1,900 Burundian soldiers who were part of a peacekeeping mission in Somalia under the African Union have returned home without receiving their salaries for up to 18 months. The soldiers, who were part of the Burundian Defense Force (FDNB), served in Somalia between May 2024 and April 2026. They claim to have only received five months' worth of salary during their deployment, with the remaining amount allegedly being held in their accounts back in Burundi.
The soldiers are now demanding that the Burundian government pay them the outstanding salaries, which they claim amounts to over 30 million Burundian francs (approximately $15,000 USD) per soldier. Some soldiers reportedly have outstanding debts of over 15 million Rwandan francs (approximately $18,000 USD). The non-payment of salaries has caused significant financial difficulties for the soldiers and their families, who were relying on the expected income to cover basic needs.
The Burundian soldiers had taken on various responsibilities, including supporting their families and paying off debts. However, the non-payment of salaries has forced some to take on additional debt, hoping to pay it off once they receive their outstanding salaries. The situation is further complicated for soldiers who have retired or are nearing retirement, as they had expected their peacekeeping earnings to serve as a financial cushion.
According to Radio Publique Africaine (RPA), the funds allocated for the soldiers' salaries were reportedly available as early as June 2026. However, the payment process has been delayed, prompting the soldiers to appeal to the relevant government and military authorities to intervene and disburse their salaries.
The issue has reignited concerns about the financial management of Burundian troops deployed on international peacekeeping missions. The Burundian government and FDNB have yet to make an official statement regarding the allegations. The soldiers are urging the authorities to prioritize their salary payments to alleviate their financial struggles.
The non-payment of salaries has had a profound impact on the soldiers and their families, who are struggling to cope with the financial burden. The situation is a pressing concern for the Burundian government, which needs to address the issue to maintain the trust and morale of its military personnel.
The Burundian government is yet to provide a clear explanation for the delay in paying the soldiers' salaries. The soldiers are hopeful that the issue will be resolved soon, allowing them to receive the compensation they are owed for their service.
Key points
- The Burundian government needs to prioritize the payment of outstanding salaries to over 1,900 soldiers who served in Somalia.
- The non-payment of salaries has caused significant financial difficulties for the soldiers and their families.
- The issue has reignited concerns about the financial management of Burundian troops deployed on international peacekeeping missions.
