(17 November 2025 – Bissau, Guinea-Bissau) — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), has commenced an in-mission training programme for staff officers serving in the ECOWAS peace support mission in Guinea-Bissau. The four-day course, delivered from 17–20 November 2025, forms part of efforts to standardise operational procedures, enhance coordination, and improve mission effectiveness across ECOWAS Peace Support Operations (PSOs).
The training is based on the ECOWAS Staff Officers Handbook, jointly developed by the ECOWAS Peace Support Operations Division and the KAIPTC with support from the ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) Project. The handbook provides step-by-step operational guidance to support integrated mission structures comprising military, police, civilian, and mission support components.
Opening the course, Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Ngozi Ukaeje, the Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission and Head of Mission, commended the Swiss Government for its financial support and longstanding partnership in strengthening peace operations. She underscored the importance of investing in the professional development of personnel, noting that the initiative is timely in enhancing current operations and preparing officers for future deployments across the region.
The ceremony was attended by senior mission officials, including the Force Commander of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau, Brigadier General E.O. Ojabo, the Deputy Force Commander Colonel Fall, and Mr. Augustine Owusu, who represented the Commandant of the KAIPTC.
A total of fifty-three participants drawn from mission headquarters staff, contingent commanders, and officers from the national police and military of Guinea-Bissau are taking part in the training. The diverse participation aims to foster joint understanding and strengthen coordination among different components operating within the mission environment.
The course, facilitated by trainers from ECOWAS and KAIPTC with financial support from the Swiss Government, focuses on the practical application of the handbook to standardise procedures, improve information flow, minimise operational risks, and enhance mission planning.
A similar four-day in-mission training is scheduled to take place in The Gambia from 25–28 November 2025.