The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has structurally split its academic and research functions, creating a new Department of Applied Research and Innovation in Peace and Security (DARIPS). This strategic move directly responds to the urgent and complex security threats facing West Africa.
Dr. Emma Birikorang, Director of DARIPS, confirmed this restructuring on June 18, 2026, during a Partners’ Meeting in Accra. The change separates the former Faculty of Academic Affairs and Research (FAR) into a standalone Faculty of Academic Affairs and the new research-focused DARIPS. This aims to improve the Centre's speed and relevance in addressing regional security issues.
This restructuring aligns with Ghana's broader commitment to regional peace and stability, especially as West Africa grapples with significant security challenges. Data from various regional bodies consistently show an increase in violent extremism spreading from the Sahel into coastal states. Unconstitutional changes of government also strain national governance systems and contribute to humanitarian crises across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region. KAIPTC's adaptation reflects the urgent need for agile institutional responses to these compounding problems.
Dr. Birikorang stated, “The peace and security challenges that are confronting West Africa today are moving faster than our traditional research and training cycles have been able to keep up.” She emphasized that KAIPTC’s mandate, as an ECOWAS centre of excellence, now includes producing high-quality, policy-relevant research. This research should directly inform regional security responses beyond traditional training activities.
The creation of DARIPS means that KAIPTC expects to strengthen its ability to conduct applied research. This will ensure that its research outputs directly relate to the real-world situations faced by governments, security agencies, and communities. Watch for increased collaboration between KAIPTC and regional stakeholders to ensure the relevance and impact of this new research focus. Decision-makers and partners will observe how effectively this new structure translates into tangible solutions for West Africa's pressing security challenges.
Dr. Birikorang encouraged partners to actively engage with KAIPTC and help shape the Centre's research direction. She urged stakeholders to highlight ongoing initiatives and areas of shared interest to foster collective problem-solving. This collaboration is crucial for ensuring that research remains timely and effective for practitioners and policymakers. The Government of Germany and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) have provided instrumental support to KAIPTC’s work.
The strategic unbundling of functions illustrates a recognition that traditional academic and training models struggle to keep pace with modern security threats. KAIPTC aims to become a more agile and responsive institution, reflecting the dynamic nature of West African security. The Centre expects discussions from the Partners' Meeting to lead to stronger alignment and more effective collaboration among all stakeholders. This will help generate practical outcomes for peace and security in West Africa.