Kampala, Uganda (Running Africa) — Uganda has pledged about 1,200 troops to a proposed international security force for Gaza, while Burundi is considering joining the mission as efforts continue to assemble a 20,000-member force to support security and humanitarian operations in the Palestinian territory.
Military delegations from Uganda and Burundi took part in discussions in Israel last week alongside representatives of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace initiative, which is leading efforts to establish the force.
A Board of Peace official said Uganda was finalizing its contribution after securing parliamentary approval, while a senior Burundian military delegation also participated in the talks.
Burundi has yet to formally commit troops, although a military official indicated that the East African country was moving closer to participating.
Uganda Pledges 1,200 Troops for Gaza Mission
Uganda’s proposed deployment would make the country a significant African contributor to the planned international security force.
About 1,200 Ugandan troops are expected to participate if the mission moves forward as planned.
Ugandan officials are finalizing arrangements following parliamentary approval, according to officials involved in the discussions.
The potential deployment would extend Uganda’s long history of participation in international peace and security operations, particularly in Africa.
Burundi Considers Joining International Gaza Force
Burundi is also considering contributing personnel to the proposed mission.
A senior Burundian military delegation attended the discussions in Israel, although the government has not yet formally announced that it will deploy troops.
A Burundian military official indicated that the country was moving closer to participation.
If confirmed, the involvement of both Uganda and Burundi would give East African forces a potentially important role in the security arrangements being developed for Gaza.
What Would the International Gaza Security Force Do?
The proposed mission is expected to include around 20,000 personnel drawn from participating countries.
Under current plans, the force would help monitor a Gaza ceasefire, train Palestinian police and support local security institutions.
It would also assist with the delivery of humanitarian aid and help maintain security in designated areas following the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
The mission is intended to provide a transitional security presence while local institutions assume greater responsibility for maintaining order.
However, major operational and political details surrounding the proposed force remain under discussion.
Gaza Force Remains Short of 20,000-Troop Target
Despite commitments from several countries, organizers remain well short of the proposed 20,000 personnel required for the mission.
Uganda’s 1,200-troop pledge would therefore represent a substantial contribution if the deployment is finalized.
The mission is expected to be led by U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers, although its eventual composition will depend on further commitments from participating governments.
Questions surrounding the force’s mandate, deployment arrangements and relationship with Israeli and Palestinian authorities will also be critical as planning continues.
Uganda and Burundi Bring Somalia Peacekeeping Experience
Uganda and Burundi have extensive experience deploying troops to complex international security missions.
Both countries have played major roles in African Union peace operations in Somalia, where their forces have spent years operating in an environment involving insurgency, terrorism and fragile state institutions.
That experience could make their troops valuable contributors to a Gaza mission requiring coordination between international forces, local security personnel and humanitarian organizations.
Their participation would also highlight the increasingly visible role African militaries can play in peace and security operations beyond the continent.
African Troops Could Play Major Role in Gaza Security Plan
Uganda’s pledge and Burundi’s potential participation mark a significant development as organizers attempt to build the international force.
But with the mission still short of its 20,000-member target, considerable diplomatic and logistical work remains before the proposed deployment can become fully operational.
For Uganda, committing 1,200 troops to Gaza would represent a major extension of its international military role beyond Africa.
Burundi’s participation would further increase East Africa’s presence in the mission, bringing two countries with extensive peacekeeping experience into one of the world’s most politically sensitive security environments.
Whether the proposed Gaza international security force ultimately takes shape will depend not only on securing enough troops, but also on establishing a workable mandate capable of supporting security, humanitarian access and a sustainable ceasefire.
