Mogadishu, 8 March 2025 – The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) marked International Women’s Day to recognise the valuable contributions of female peacekeepers in advancing peace and security in Somalia and across Africa.
The vibrant celebration at the AUSSOM Force Headquarters in Mogadishu was held on the theme, “Accelerate Action: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment for all Women and Girls”.
The Force Commander for AUSSOM, Lieutenant General Sam Kavuma, who chaired the event, emphasised the crucial role of women in peacekeeping operations, stressing that their active participation is essential to achieving sustainable peace.
“I want to recognise the women leaders in this mission and those who have been in the driving seat of this mission,” said Lt Gen Kavuma, noting that ‘’the theme of the day resonates as the world celebrates 25 years since the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women’s participation in peace and security’’.
Lt Gen Kavuma reaffirmed AUSSOM’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in peacebuilding and decision-making, including working with Somali women to develop sustainable peace solutions.
The Police Commissioner for AUSSOM, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIGP) Hillary Sao Kanu, highlighted the diverse roles of women peacekeepers, who work with their male colleagues in various capacities, including training, mentoring, guard duties, VIP protection, driving, engineering, technical support, and medical care, among others.
“In Somalia and across Africa, women play significant roles in building communities, resolving conflicts and fostering national cohesion. We want to thank our brave women who contribute to our operations,” she said.
AIGP Kanu called for urgent action to tackle the challenges hindering women’s equality, empowerment, participation in peacebuilding, security and decision-making, emphasising the crucial importance of upholding women’s rights to achieve a just and stable society.
As part of activities to mark the day, AUSSOM Police female personnel donated a range of essential items to the Somali Police Children’s Rehabilitation and Orphanage Centre in Mogadishu through their association.
The items included toiletries, food supplies, beverages and clothing. The contributions will benefit the children living at the orphanage. The centre provides care and shelter to children of Somali police personnel who died in the line of duty.
AIGP Kanu handed over the items to orphanage Director, Lieutenant Halima Saadia.
“I would like to thank AUSSOM for the generous donation of food and clothing. Over the years, the female peacekeepers have always supported orphans,” said Lt Halima, highlighting the cordial relationship between the Somali Police Force and AUSSOM Police.
Senior AUSSOM military and police officials attended the event, including the Deputy Force Commander in charge of Operations and Plans, Major General Marius Ngendabanka; the Deputy Police Commissioner, Martin Amoru and Conduct and Discipline Officer, Josephine Njeru.
