Senior security and peacebuilding officials from Ghana and Austria are urging greater investment in political advisory expertise across Africa. They warn that the continent's changing security situation requires skilled professionals to guide peace operations. This sentiment emerged at the opening of the 9th Political Advisors Course for African Operations, held at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra on June 15.
The two-week program, a joint effort by KAIPTC and the Austrian Ministry of Defence, aims to enhance the skills of Political Advisors. These advisors serve in various peace missions, including those of the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), and ECOWAS. The course responds to the growing need for comprehensive approaches to security that combine military action with political engagement.
This initiative fits into Ghana's broader commitment to regional peace and security, as the country itself faces threats from instability in the Sahel. Ghana hosts a leading institution like KAIPTC, which plays a vital role in training peacekeepers and security personnel across Africa. The emphasis on non-military solutions also aligns with a shift towards more holistic strategies for conflict prevention and resolution.
Air Vice Marshal David A. Akrong, the Commandant of KAIPTC, highlighted the urgency of this training. He stated, “It is both an honour and a privilege to join you this morning for the opening of the Political Advisor Course for Peace Support Operations in Africa 2026.” He stressed that Africa's security environment has changed significantly due to violent extremism, organized crime, and political instability. Mr. Günther Barnet, Coordinator of the National Security Council in Austria's Ministry of Defence, noted the course's long history. He said discussions began in 2015, leading to the inaugural course in 2017, making it a key collaboration.
The course's focus on political analysis, negotiation, and mediation signal a move towards more integrated security strategies. These skills are critical for understanding complex conflicts and developing effective responses. Decision-makers and regional organizations will likely embrace these comprehensive approaches to tackle persistent security threats. Stronger advisory capacity could lead to more sustainable peace outcomes across Africa.