The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) joined partners from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Training Centres of Excellence (TCEs) for a cooperation meeting organized by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) under the ECOWAS Peace, Security and Governance Project.
The meeting comes at a critical moment as West Africa continues to face complex and evolving security challenges. These challenges underscore the need for strong political will, coordinated institutional responses, knowledge sharing, and sustained capacity development among regional institutions.
In his remarks, the Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, Brigadier General Zibrim Ayorrogo, highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between ECOWAS and the Training Centres of Excellence. He noted that the partnership is both timely and strategic, as the Centres play a vital role in supporting the ECOWAS peace and security architecture.
According to Brigadier General Ayorrogo, the ECOWAS Peace, Security and Governance Project presents an opportunity to review the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ECOWAS and the TCEs, enhance the digitalization of the Centres, and strengthen efforts in training, capacity building, research, and policy advocacy aimed at supporting Peace Support Operations and promoting effective governance practices that contribute to sustainable peace.
He further emphasized that the cooperation meeting provides an important platform for reflection and forward planning. “It allows us to assess the progress made under the project, identify areas for deeper collaboration, and ensure that our collective efforts remain aligned with the priorities of ECOWAS and the needs of member states,” he said. He added that the meeting also helps strengthen synergy among the Training Centres of Excellence as they work together to support regional stability.
The Head of Component at GIZ, Theresa Kraft, reaffirmed Germany’s long-standing partnership with ECOWAS, noting that the meeting reflects a shared commitment to strengthening peace, security, and governance in the region.
She explained that the GIZ-EU Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG) Project, co-financed by the European Union and Germany and implemented by GIZ in partnership with Expertise France and FIAP represents an investment of more than 27 million euros to support ECOWAS in delivering lasting peace, stronger security institutions, and inclusive governance across West Africa.
Ms. Kraft also highlighted the growing security challenges facing the region, particularly the spill over of instability from the Sahel into coastal states and the rise of emerging threats such as disinformation, which undermines trust and fuels division.
“In this context, a reactive approach is no longer sustainable. We must be proactive,” she stated, emphasizing that strengthening cooperation between ECOWAS and the Training Centres of Excellence will enhance the region’s capacity to anticipate, prevent, and respond to emerging threats.
KAIPTC expressed appreciation to ECOWAS and its partners for their continued commitment to strengthening peace, security, and democratic governance across West Africa, and acknowledged GIZ for its valuable support in advancing regional collaboration.