Baidoa, 15 February 2026 – On a hot and dry day in Baidoa, South West State, we meet Sergent Tseganesh Gisa, a dedicated female military officer with the Ethiopian contingent serving with the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Amid the harsh weather, she is diligently fixing pipes at the water engineering unit.
For Sgt Tseganesh, military service is more than a duty; it is a calling she pursues with pride. She ensures a steady supply of clean, purified water for the troops, an essential need in an environment marked by water scarcity.
“My role is to repair and maintain water pipelines, ensure there is a steady supply every day, and that the water is properly purified before it is distributed to the troops,” she says.
Every day, Sgt Tseganesh coordinates water trucks from local water suppliers in Baidoa town, a logistical task that, if neglected, would severely complicate life for troops on the frontline.
The water she purifies sustains batallions engaged in joint operations with Somali Security Forces to degrade Al-Shabaab in the region. Her logistical support is the bedrock that enables troops to remain in the field. For Sgt Tseganesh, every repaired pipe supports the larger a mission of peace.
With five years of military service, two of them in Somalia, her dedication has only deepened.
“My greatest motivation, especially here in Somalia, is fulfilling our peacekeeping mission. Knowing that my work contributes to stability and supports both my fellow troops and the local community gives me a strong sense of purpose,” she says.
By ensuring a reliable supply at the AUSSOM base, Sgt Tseganesh helps maintain the operational readiness of the mission, creating secure conditions for the federal government to advance state-building in Baidoa.
Her military journey began during a government recruitment drive in Ethiopia. Faced with a life-changing decision, she answered the call to serve her nation.
“I believe there is no greater honour than serving one’s motherland,” Sgt Tseganesh says. That decision marked the beginning of a path defined by discipline, sacrifice, and growing devotion to military life. Over time, her commitment has only deepened, and her passion for service continues to grow stronger.
As the world marks International Women’s Day, Sgt Tseganesh reflects on its meaning. “To me, International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate the strength, resilience, and unique abilities of women across all professions and walks of life. It is also a time to challenge outdated misconceptions that women cannot achieve what men can,” she says.
Her presence here in the field embodies the Women, Peace Security agenda, which recognizes that women’s participation in security forces makes missions more effective. As AUSSOM works to consolidate gains in South West State, having female personnel like Sgt Tseganesh allows the mission to better engage with local Somali women, building trust needed for sustainable peace.
Her story is proof that women can succeed in historically male-dominated roles. To other women, she offers a simple message: “Join the military, it is a place of growth, learning, and opportunity-a space where one can acquire valuable skills and explore a wide range of professions while contributing to national and global peace.”
To her colleagues in Somalia, Sgt Tseganesh says: “Continue the excellent work, maintain the same spirit of determination, and face every challenge with confidence.”
