Publication by NUPI and other co-partners, and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs “Training for Peace”

The prevention and resolution of deadly conflict is one of the most fundamental tasks of the world community.

Although there has been a steady decline in conflicts around the world over the last decade, conflicts and unrest in places like Sudan, the Horn of Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo give cause for grave concern. One third of all armed conflicts over the past decade have taken place in Africa. This has resulted in immense human suffering and over nine million refugees and internally displaces people.

At the same time, it is encouraging that African states are addressing these problems themselves with new energy and determination. The establishment of the African Union is of key importance here, as is the development of an African security architecture. It is also positive that the international community is increasingly coordinating its support for these African efforts.

Norway has supported peace and development in Africa for several generations. During this period, we have seen the need for building civilian and police capacity to take part in peace support operations.

It was against this backdrop that we created the Training for Peace programme in 1995. We saw this initiative as an integral part of our long-term commitment to economic and social development in Africa, and therefore attached particular importance to creating a programme with strong African ownership and civil society engagement.

The African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (AACORD), the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) were founding partners. In 2004, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Ghana also joined the programme.

It is our firm belief that the civilian dimensions of peace support operations are crucial. We will not be able to meet the complex security challenges facing us today and build lasting peace without drawing on qualified civilian resources from the African continent. We are encouraged to see that there is growing international recognition of this fact.

Training for Peace has both immediate and long-term aims. It provides well-trained police and civilian experts to ongoing peace support operations. It also contributes to normative work at UN and AU headquarters as well as the Regional Economic Communities.

The programme is unique in that it appeals a three-pillar approach comprising training, policy advice and research, which enhances its quality and relevance.

The purpose of this publication is to present Training for Peace in the light of Norway’s strategic, long-term approach to peace and security in Africa.

Oslo, February/March 2009
Jonas Gahr Støre