Tuesday 3, June ,2025 {HMC} Burundian peacekeepers evacuated the Somali town of Xawaadley this week after heavy flooding overwhelmed their base, the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) said Tuesday. Local officials say Al-Shabaab may have re-entered the area following the withdrawal, though this remains unconfirmed.
AUSSOM said the evacuation took place on Monday and was carried out by helicopter. One of the aircraft experienced a technical malfunction, but the pilots safely landed, and no casualties were reported. All personnel were transferred to a nearby military base.
“We commend the swift action of the AUSSOM Burundian troops during the delicate operation,” said Kareem Adebayo, acting special representative of the African Union Commission chairperson for Somalia. “We reaffirm our continued support to the people and the Federal Government of Somalia in mitigating the effects of the flooding.”
The AU mission did not mention any subsequent control of the area by Al-Shabaab. However, local officials told HOL that the militant group entered after the evacuation, though this claim could not be independently verified.
“There was no confrontation,” a local administrator said. “Floodwaters entered the army camps, prompting the decision to withdraw.”
Xawaadley, located in Middle Shabelle, had been under the control of the Somali federal government for several years. It has been the site of repeated clashes between government forces and Al-Shabaab, with past engagements resulting in heavy casualties.
The evacuation comes as AU forces draw down under AUSSOM’s phased transition plan. Burundian troops are expected to leave Somalia in the coming weeks, with Somali security forces preparing to assume responsibility for the area.
