Almost 1,900 Burundian troops who have been fighting militants in Somalia are heading home. Burundi was among the first countries to join the inter-governmental peacekeeping force, the African Union Mission to Somalia or AMISOM.

It's been a tough 12 months for these soldiers. But their tour of duty in Somalia is now over - and they're flying out from Mogadishu.

Troops from the African Union Mission in Somalia – or AMISOM – have been returning home. A contingent of Burundian soldiers is the latest to finish their one year tour of duty. And they’ve gone on parade for one last time in Mogadishu.

Their commander says they made a big difference and credits their partnership with Somali forces.

"Our relationship with the Somali National Army has been good because we shared information about the enemy - Al-Shabaab. Also, during reconnaissance patrols, we were together," said Major John Berchmans Manirakiza, 32nd battalion, AMISOM.   

"And it was the Somali National Army helping us because of the language barrier. It was them who told us the names of the localities, helped us with information and taught us how to communicate with the Somali populations."

Al Qaeda-linked militant group Al Shabab continues to plague much of Somalia. Amisom has helped retake territory from the group. But the mission is by no means over.

These soldiers are to be replaced with a new contingent from Burundi. The country contributes around 5,000 troops to Amisom, the second-largest contributor after Uganda.
Amisom earlier this month received a one-year extension from the UN Security Council.

The African Union plans to end its mission in Somalia by 2018 - the 22,000 strong force is facing financial challenges after one of its key donors, the European Union cut funding.