The Peace Support Training Centre of Ethiopia held a two-week conflict prevention training for participants from 10 African countries; Burundi, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Rwanda, Liberia, Mali, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda.

 The center that is supported by UNDP and the Government of Japan provided theoretical and practical skills for 29 participants composed of civilians, military and police.

The training focused on conflict prevention, the use of early warning tools, conflict analysis, negotiation and mediation, protection of vulnerable people in conflict, the practice of international human rights law and gender equality in the context of peacekeeping operations.

The Peace Support Training Centre was established in 2011 as the Ethiopian International Peacekeeping Training Center and was transitioned to the current name with a vision to strengthen the capacity of people working in peacekeeping operations in Africa. The centre has so far become a ‘Centre of Excellence’ by providing peacekeeping practitioners for the United Nations and the African Union.

The training further provided opportunities for participants to share professional experiences and provided networking opportunities to learn from other cultures as well. 

Ms. Naomi Yemaneneh, a civilian participant from the Ministry of Federal and Pastoralists Development Affairs of Ethiopia, asserted that the training was very practical for her as it directly relates to her work as an Early Warning Expert in the Department of Conflict Prevention at the Ministry.

Mr. Paterne Aime Petipe, an instructor from similar Peace Keeping School in Mali, said the training not only helped to update his knowledge in the area but also gained new perspectives and new techniques on the various topics such as the ‘ABC’ triangle for conflict analysis. “I am satisfied that my time was properly utilized,” he confirmed.  

Experienced facilitators from the training centre, Government of Japan, Addis Ababa University Institute of Peace and Security Studies, the African Union and British Support Team provided the training to participants.

In his closing speech, Brigadier General Habtamu Tilahun, stressed “Considering the time we are in, it is a high time in Africa to provide such capacity building trainings for potential peacekeeping actors and for those who are already engaged in peacekeeping operations.”