KAIPTC Opens 2025 Political Advisor Course to Strengthen Peace Support Operations in Africa

Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre

The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) held an opening ceremony on Monday. This event marked the start of the 2025 Political Advisor Course for Peace Support Operations in Africa. The course aims to strengthen peace missions across the continent.

Developed with the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence, this course gathers experienced facilitators and participants. They come from Africa and beyond to enhance skills in political analysis, negotiation, public diplomacy, and conflict mediation. These skills are essential for political advisors in peace support operations.

Air Commodore David A. Appiah welcomed participants at KAIPTC. He emphasized the course’s importance in a region facing ongoing instability. “The role of the political advisor is very critical,” he stated. Advisors provide mission leadership with analysis and recommendations to reduce conflict and promote peace.

Appiah encouraged participants to fully engage in the training. He noted that this course formalizes training for political advisors working with UN, AU, and ECOWAS missions. It will help them meet international standards necessary for successful peace operations.

Austrian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Jürgen Heissel, spoke about the complexities of peacebuilding in Africa. He mentioned issues like displacement, food insecurity, and environmental degradation caused by conflict. “Your work as political advisors is crucial,” he said.

Heissel praised the collaboration between Austria and KAIPTC. He urged participants to actively engage with each other during the course. Such interactions benefit both individuals and broader peace missions.

The course will last several weeks and cover various topics. Sessions will include negotiation principles, mediation strategies, strategic communication, and media engagement. It takes place at KAIPTC’s modern facilities in Accra, a center for regional peacebuilding training.

Course Director Lt. Col. Michael Novotny was present along with Dr. Gerald Hainzl from the Austrian Defence Ministry and Counsellor Günther Barnet among other dignitaries.