Military officials from Uganda and Burundi visited Israel last week to discuss deploying troops to Gaza as part of an international security force envisioned by the Peace Council.
A Peace Council official stated that Ugandan officials had joined a Burundian military delegation, and that Uganda was finalizing details of its participation after its parliament approved the troop contribution this month.
Nothing has been finalized with Burundi, but the official confirmed their eagerness to begin the process, saying: "We have shared a great deal of knowledge with each other, and Burundi's representatives have shown interest in our mission."
For his part, a Burundian military official said that three other senior military officers led the delegation to Israel, and that Burundi appeared determined to join. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
It was unclear what Uganda or Burundi might offer or receive in return. Spokespeople for both militaries did not respond to requests for comment.
If Burundi proceeds, these two African nations will be the latest to join the international force in Gaza, following Morocco, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, and Albania. Uganda has pledged to send approximately 1,200 personnel, while Morocco has committed up to 500. Kosovo, Kazakhstan, and Albania have collectively pledged around 80 personnel.
Indonesia had previously stated that it was preparing to send 8,000 troops, by far the largest pledge, but froze that after the United States and Israel attacked Iran.
The 20,000-strong force is to be led by U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers, but the forces pledged are still far short of that target.
