Behind every Peace Support Operation are stories of resilience, sacrifice and service – stories that often remain unseen without the dedication of journalists working in challenging environments. In AUSSOM Sector 2, Sergeant Naomi Lihavi plays a vital role in documenting those experiences and bringing the realities of the mission to the world.
Serving as a Journalist and Camerawoman under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Sgt Lihavi uses photography, videography, and storytelling to highlight the work and sacrifices of peacekeepers operating in Somalia.
Sgt Lihavi joined the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in 2021, turning a lifelong passion for cinema and storytelling into a professional career within military media operations.
“My passion for cinema inspired me,” she explained. “I loved watching movies and writing stories, and later I pursued journalism as a career. I joined the KDF as a media practitioner to tell unique military stories through media.”
Within the mission, Sgt Lihavi’s responsibilities extend far beyond simply taking photographs. Her work involves documenting operations, producing visual content, writing stories and monitoring media coverage related to the mission.
“My role as a journalist is basically coverage,” she said. “I do photography, videography, story writing and additionally, I do media monitoring.”
Her work helps showcase the daily efforts of the personnel serving in Somalia while also preserving important moments from the mission’s operations and community engagements.
Operating as a journalist in a mission environment comes with significant risks and emotional demands. Sgt Lihavi says security concerns remain one of the biggest challenges while covering field operations.
“The operating environment has presented various challenges,” she explained. “There are security challenges because safety is not guaranteed, especially during patrols. You cannot do coverage at your own comfort, so getting the desired shot becomes difficult.”
In addition to operational risks, the harsh environment and emotional impact of witnessing traumatic scenes add further pressure to the job.
“The climate is harsh and not always conducive for coverage,” she says. “And there is also the trauma that comes from witnessing difficult scenes and actions. However, we try to manage that through counseling and adequate training.”
Despite the challenges, Sgt Lihavi greatest achievement has been the opportunity to tell meaningful stories that reflect realities of peacekeeping operations and sacrifices of those serving in Somalia.
“I am very proud of the stories that I have told as a journalist,” she said. “Stories of resilience and sacrifice that have contributed to a better and more stable Somalia.”
Through her lens and storytelling, Sgt Naomi Lihavi helps give a human face to AUSSOM’s mission – capturing moments that inform, inspire and preserve the experiences of those working toward peace and stability in Somalia.
As AUSSOM continues its mandate, media practitioners like Sgt Lihavi remain essential in documenting the mission’s impact and ensuring that the voices and sacrifices of the personnel are not forgotten.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
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