Uganda and Burundi Weigh Troop Deployment to Gaza as International Force Takes Shape
Military officials from Uganda and Burundi visited Israel last week to discuss contributing troops to an international security force for Gaza, a plan championed by former US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace. The visit marks a significant step in efforts to stabilize the fragile ceasefire in the Palestinian territory.
A Board of Peace official told The Associated Press that Ugandan officials joined a Burundian military delegation, with Uganda finalizing details after its parliament approved the troop contribution this month. Burundi has not yet made a final commitment, but the official expressed optimism about starting the process.
“We shared significant knowledge with one another, and the Burundi representatives expressed interest in our mission,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss talks with potential troop-contributing countries.
A Burundian military official confirmed that three senior officers led the delegation to Israel, indicating Burundi's intent to join. The official also spoke anonymously due to lack of authorization to speak to the media.
What Would Uganda and Burundi Bring to the Gaza Mission?
Details remain unclear on what Uganda or Burundi might offer or receive in return. Spokespersons for their militaries did not respond to requests for comment. However, both nations bring substantial peacekeeping experience from their long-term deployments in Somalia as part of an African Union force resisting the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab extremist group.
Paul D. Williams, director of the security policy studies program at The George Washington University, noted that both countries' leaderships have “shown they are willing to tolerate high numbers of casualties without withdrawing.” With the Somalia mission winding down, Williams added, “Deploying to Gaza with US support is one way to do that” to accrue financial and material support for their militaries.
A Ugandan military officer with knowledge of the upcoming deployment said troops were being selected for Gaza, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Progress on the International Force Has Been Slow
If Burundi moves ahead, it would join Morocco, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, and Albania in committing to the force. Uganda has pledged around 1,200 personnel, Morocco up to 500, and the other three nations a combined 80. Indonesia earlier said it was preparing to send 8,000 troops, the largest commitment, but put that on hold after the US and Israel attacked Iran.
The envisioned 20,000-strong force, led by US Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, remains far short of that goal. The force would monitor the ceasefire, train Palestinian police, and secure aid delivery in areas administered by an incoming technocratic committee, with Israeli forces withdrawing.
Ceasefire Stalls Amid Disagreements
The ceasefire that took effect last October has stalled due to disagreements over Israel's withdrawal and Hamas' disarmament. A US delegation met with Hamas leaders and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this month to push for progress. Hamas has agreed to the new US deal, but Netanyahu has rejected it, insisting Israel will not withdraw from the roughly 60% of the territory it controls until Hamas is completely disarmed.
Even after Netanyahu's meeting with the US team, including negotiator Jared Kushner, officials offered no concrete commitment by Israel.
Why Does This Matter for Regional Stability?
For Botswana and the wider region, this development underscores the importance of African nations playing a constructive role in international security efforts. While the mission's success remains uncertain, the participation of Uganda and Burundi reflects a commitment to stability and order, values that resonate with conservative principles of responsibility and sovereignty.
As the world watches, the question remains whether the international community can forge a path to lasting peace in Gaza without compromising the security of any nation involved.