Mogadishu, 8 March 2026 – The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) on Sunday marked International Women’s Day. Female peacekeepers called for renewed commitment to promote gender equality and action against harmful practices.
The women, drawn from Troop and Police Contributing Countries (T/PCCs) and civilians, gathered at Sector One Headquarters in Mogadishu to take stock of their contributions to peacebuilding efforts in Somalia.
Organised by the Ugandan contingent, the celebration was attended by the AUSSOM Senior Leadership Team, led by the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) and Head of AUSSOM, Amb. El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, Force Commander Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma and Police Commissioner, AIGP Hillary Sao Kanu. Also present were Sector One Commander, Brig Gen. Jackson Kayanja, Uganda’s Defense Attaché to Somalia, Brig. Gen. Francis Chemo, AUSSOM Acting Head of Mission Support, Ms. Maxmillian Okech, Police Coordinator, ACP Samuel Asiedu Okanta, national and international partners.
The Head of AUSSOM paid tribute to the women for their invaluable contribution to the mission’s mandate and commitment to Somalia’s peace, security and stability. He acknowledged the female peacekeepers dedication to service and thanked international partners for the support in advancing women’s rights, dignity, security, and opportunity.
“In our mission and within the communities, women have long been pillars of resilience. They are peacebuilders, mediators, leaders, and agents of change. From the frontlines of security operations to community engagement, humanitarian assistance, and institutional support, women are making a decisive difference,” said Amb. Diene, who presided over the event.
The SRCC reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to supporting meaningful participation of women in peace processes, governance, and security institutions.
“Within AUSSOM, we remain committed to promoting gender equality, equity, and the implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. Increasing the participation of women in uniformed roles, strengthening gender-sensitive approaches in our operations, and creating a safe and inclusive working environment remain central to our mission,” Amb. Diene said.
Collective efforts
On conflict-affected settings where women and girls disproportionately bear the brunt of insecurity, he called for honouring women’s courage, leadership, and resilience of women in AUSSOM and across Somalia, highlighting their voices, knowledge, and agency as essential to achieving lasting security.
“Our mission is collective. When women are safe, included, and empowered, communities are more resilient, and peace is more durable,” Amb. Diene said. “Let us use today as a reminder and a recommitment to translate words into concrete policies, resources, and behaviours that advance equality.”
“Significant Roles”
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on 8 March. This year marks the 115th celebration whose theme is “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls.”
As part of the celebrations, female peacekeepers from Troop and Police Contributing Countries led a commemorative march through Halane Basecamp, followed by technical demonstration, cultural performances, and poetry celebrating the theme.
Speaking at the event, AIGP Hillary Sao Kanu noted, “peace requires justice, justice requires rights, and rights require action”, emphasising that women are not just recipients of peace but essential architects.
“In Somalia and across Africa, women have played significant roles as community mediators, peace advocates, educators, and entrepreneurs, among others. Their voices often bridge divides, heal communities, and encourage dialogue where conflict once prevailed,” said AIGP Kanu. “Despite their contributions, they continue to face barriers that limit their full participation in decision-making, security, and governance,” regretted the Police Commissioner.
She further reaffirmed AUSSOM’s commitment to promoting gender-sensitive policing, ensuring justice for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and advocating for more women in the security sector.
Brig. Gen. Kayanja assured female peacekeepers that their rights would be protected to promote gender equality.
“To the women and girls, I urge you to prioritise discipline, professionalism, knowledge, and military courses and also embrace technology,” added Brig. Gen. Kayanja.
