Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) to strengthen collaboration and cooperation.
The MoU, which was signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Tuesday 4 July 2023, will provide a framework for collaboration between the UNOAU and KAIPTC to support the African Union (AU), its Regional and Economic Communities, Regional Mechanisms and Member States, and would further strengthen the UN-AU-KAIPTC partnership in the areas of contributing to addressing peace and security on the African continent.
The MoU also marks a significant step for KAIPTC in furthering its strategic priority to support the AU Commission to execute its mandate on promoting and securing a peaceful Africa.
His Excellency Dr. Parfait Onanga-Anyanga – Head of UNOAU, at the brief signing ceremony, expressed optimism of the prospects of the two institutions in ensuring peace and stability on the African continent.
Dr. Onanga-Anyanga, also a Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), called for periodic meetings to explore areas of support to the AU, and give the partnership real significance in terms of cooperation.
He said improving peace and security in Africa involved multifaceted and comprehensive approaches involving various stakeholders at local, regional, and international levels, adding that the signing of the MoU was significant and timely, and that such regional cooperation, would be key in peace building efforts and to addressing the security challenges in Africa, collectively.
Major General (Maj Gen) Richard Addo Gyane – Commandant, KAIPTC, who led the Executive Management Committee of the Centre to the signing ceremony, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to the partnership agreement.
He averred that sustainable peace and security in Africa required long-term commitments, collaboration, and cooperation and a holistic approach to addressing the security challenges on the continent, and that the KAIPTC was ready to provide the needed support.
The Commandant furthered that the KAIPTC, being one of three sanctioned Training Centre of Excellence, is committed to gender equality, leading to the upgrade of its former Women, Peace and Security (WPSI) unit to a department (Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute – WYPSI), which would not only mainstream issues of gender, but also integrate the youth, who are a critical component of the peace and security architecture.
Maj Gen Gyane said therefore that, recognizing the importance of engaging the youth in peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts, was crucial for sustainable peace and security in any society.
