Uganda and Burundi explore participation in international Gaza security force

Yesterday 10:47

By: Azzat Manal

Uganda and Burundi explore participation in international Gaza security force

Military officials from Uganda and Burundi have visited Israel to discuss the possible deployment of their forces to Gaza as part of an international security mission proposed by the so-called “Board of Peace.”

According to an official involved in the initiative, Ugandan representatives joined a Burundian military delegation during the visit. Uganda is reportedly finalizing the details of its participation after its parliament approved a plan for the country to contribute personnel to the proposed force.

No final agreement has yet been reached with Burundi. However, the country has expressed interest in taking part in the mission. A senior Burundian military official said that three other high-ranking officers accompanied the delegation to Israel and indicated that Burundi appeared determined to continue discussions.

The exact role that Uganda and Burundi could play, as well as the terms of their participation, remain unclear. Officials from the two countries' armed forces have not publicly provided detailed information about the potential deployment.

If Burundi formally joins the initiative, Uganda and Burundi would become the latest African countries to consider contributing to the proposed international force. Morocco, Kosovo, Kazakhstan and Albania have already made commitments, according to officials involved in the plan.

Uganda has reportedly pledged around 1,200 personnel, while Morocco has offered to contribute up to 500. Kosovo, Kazakhstan and Albania have together committed approximately 80 personnel.

Indonesia had previously announced preparations to deploy as many as 8,000 troops, representing the largest proposed contribution. However, its participation was subsequently put on hold following the escalation involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

The planned international force is expected to have a target strength of approximately 20,000 personnel and would be led by U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers. Nevertheless, the number of troops formally committed so far remains well below that objective.

The discussions involving Uganda and Burundi highlight the continuing efforts to assemble an international security presence for Gaza. The composition, mandate and operational framework of such a force remain subject to further negotiations among the participating countries.