By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Somalia, June 14, 2026 - Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have conducted a community outreach visit to the Dhobley Women’s Group in Jubaland State as part of efforts to strengthen relations between peace support forces and local communities.
The visit, held under the Female Soldiers Empowerment Program, underscored the role of women-focused initiatives in promoting trust, cooperation and mutual understanding between mission personnel and residents in areas affected by conflict.
The delegation was received by the Chairlady of the Dhobley Women’s Group, Fatma Yusuf, who highlighted the organization’s efforts to empower women through economic and social development programmes aimed at improving livelihoods in the community.
As part of the engagement, AUSSOM-KDF troops organized a medical camp that offered healthcare services to members of the women’s group and local residents, reflecting the mission’s commitment to addressing humanitarian needs alongside its security mandate.
Speaking during the event, Exercise Commander Major Juliet Yegon said the mission remains committed to inclusive community engagement and supporting local communities beyond security operations.
“This program is close to our hearts. As soldiers, our duty goes beyond security; it extends to the people we protect. Today we stand with the women of Dhobley not just as peace support troops, but as partners in building a better Somalia. We are inspired by the resilience and strength of this community,” said Major Yegon.
The outreach also featured cultural exchanges, with female KDF personnel and members of the women’s group participating in traditional dances, fostering solidarity and strengthening relations between peacekeepers and the local population.
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Fatma Yusuf welcomed the initiative, saying it had inspired women and girls in the community while providing much-needed support to local households.
“We are deeply grateful for this visit. The presence of these women in uniform gives our members hope and courage. They show us that women can serve, lead and protect. That is a powerful message for our daughters and our community. The food and medical support they have brought us today will make a significant difference in households,” she said.
According to AUSSOM, community engagement and women-focused outreach programmes remain a key component of peace support operations, helping address social and humanitarian challenges while creating conditions for lasting peace and stability in Somalia.
The Female Soldiers Empowerment Program is expected to continue serving as a platform for dialogue, support and collaboration between AUSSOM personnel and Somali women as efforts to stabilize the country continue.
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