Mogadishu,15 February 2025 – The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) hosted a cultural day on Friday to celebrate the rich diversity and heritage of Police Contributing Countries (PCCs) and the host nation, Somalia.
The event, held at the Force Headquarters in Mogadishu, aimed to foster a shared commitment to restoring peace and stability in Somalia.
The vibrant ceremony brought together key members of the AUSSOM Senior Leadership Team, including Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) to Somalia Sivuyile Bam, Force Commander Lieutenant General Sam Kavuma, Police Commissioner, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Hillary Sao Kanu, Deputy Force Commander in charge of Support and Logistics, Major General Peter Muteti, Deputy Police Commissioner Martin Amoru and AUSSOM military, police and civilian personnel.
“I reiterate the increasing role that female peacekeepers play in our peace support operations. Overall, as women in our societies, they continue to fulfill the roles of mothers and keepers of homes,” said Mr. Bam, who congratulated the police component for organising the event, which celebrated the diverse talents, traditional practices and cultural heritage of the six PCCs (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Zambia) and host Somalia.
The officers showcased their rich cultural diversity through exhibitions of traditional food, music, dance, artifacts, clothing, and games, representing their communities of origin.
AIGP Kanu stressed that the primary goal of their mission is to restore peace and stability, underscoring their commitment to a secure and stable Somalia.
“We have one focus in this mission, and that is to ensure there is peace in Somalia, to support Somalia in different and diverse ways to bring back peace to the people,” she said.
The event underscored the significance of cultural heritage in reinforcing identity for promotion of unity, peace, and stability in society.
“Our evening here is to showcase the six PCCs within the AUSSOM Police, and our talents in various cultures and ways of preparing food. This is an event that shows we appreciate different traditions and cultures. It highlights our respect for the key principles of the United Nations and the African Union and that is diversity,” said AIGP Kanu.
Lt. Gen. Kavuma praised AUSSOM Police for highlighting the diverse cultural richness of PCCs supporting Somalia’s peacebuilding process.
The AUSSOM Police component comprising Formed Police Units (FPUs) and Individual Police Officers (IPOs), is strategically deployed across Mogadishu, Baidoa, Jowhar, Kismayo, Dhobley, and Beletweyne.
