Accra, Ghana – September 7, 2026 – The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has officially opened the United Nations Military Peacekeeping Intelligence (UN MPKI) Course 2026 in Accra.
The two-week course, funded by the Government of Switzerland, aims to strengthen participants’ capacities in the collection, correlation, analysis and dissemination of intelligence in support of United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Speaking at the opening, the Swiss representative, Col. Alex Neukomm, noted that effective intelligence enhances situational awareness and enables decision-makers to receive timely and quality information. He said this contributes to the protection of civilians, prevention of conflict escalation and the achievement of lasting peace.
“You carry a heavy but honourable responsibility: whether deployed with the UN, the African Union, or ECOWAS, your decisions affect lives and the prospects for peace in communities emerging from conflict,” he stated.
The Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, Brig. Gen. Lawrence Deku, said intelligence remains central to mission planning, force protection and the protection of civilians, making the course particularly relevant to the operational needs of the UN, AU and ECOWAS.
He noted that effective intelligence in peace operations thrives on diverse perspectives and rigorous ethical analysis, and encouraged participants to actively engage throughout the course.
“Intelligence is not a solitary function but a collective one.”
Brig. Gen. Deku also reaffirmed KAIPTC’s commitment to strengthening its international partnership with Switzerland, emphasising the Centre’s dedication to providing high-quality and relevant training that responds to the evolving demands of peace operations.
The course has brought together 11 participants from Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Mongolia, Morocco, Nigeria, Russia, Tanzania and Switzerland.