The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre (KAIPTC) has initiated the 2023 Political Advisor Course (PolAd23) for heads of missions and operational commanders.
This ten-day residential course aims to train Political Advisors for UN Missions in Africa, AU and ECOWAS operations and missions.
Participants include senior civilians, police personnel, military personnel, and NGOs in advisory positions or potential future Political Advisors.
Organized in collaboration with the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence, this course is the sixth in a series.
It seeks to enhance the understanding of Political Advisors’ core tasks in conflict and crisis situations and improve the quality of information they provide.
The course covers various areas, including the Role of a PolAd, Policy Advising in different missions, Reporting and Speechwriting, Public Diplomacy, Analytical tools for PolAds, Negotiation, and Mediation.
By equipping participants for UN Missions in Africa, African Union operations, and ECOWAS military missions, the course enhances the ability of senior personnel from African countries and organizations to effectively fulfill the tasks of political advisors in conflict and crisis contexts.
The complex political and security environments in many African regions make it challenging for heads of missions and operational commanders to comprehensively assess and analyze the political consequences of their actions.
This course aims to address these challenges and keep participants updated on the latest developments in African and International Security Policies.
The Commandant of KAIPTC, Major General Richard Addo Gyane, highlighted the critical role of political advisors in providing mission leadership with accurate analysis of political developments and making recommendations to address issues of concern.
He emphasized the significance of peace for national, regional, and global development and emphasized the need for formalized training of Political Advisors for UN, AU, and ECOWAS missions.
Thus, Maj Gen Gyane said the course was being organised to formalise training of Political Advisors for Commanders of Operations and/or Heads of Missions of UN, AU and ECOWAS missions.
“I can assure you that the facilitators on this course, with their diverse backgrounds and rich experience, will definitely strive to equip you with the necessary tools to enable you function effectively and efficiently in your current or future roles as Political Advisors,” he said.
The Commandant added that, “I have no doubt that this training will expose you to internationally required competencies and standards for Political Advisors and I am certain that it will enable you to better understand the dynamics of conflict and crises management in order to function effectively in Multi-Dimensional Peace Support Operations.”