Peace Support course opens in Musanze

A successful peace support operation requires comprehensive understanding and application of integrated approaches to multi-dimensional peacekeeping and peace building, EAC Minister Monique Mukaruliza said.She made the remarks yesterday at the opening ceremony of a regional training aimed at equipping civilians with adequate knowledge and skills to contribute to peace building missions in Africa.The training is taking place the Rwanda Peace Academy (RPA) in Musanze District.Mukaruliza noted that civilian personnel must have the required knowledge and readiness to serve in integrated peace support operations, saying it is one of the ways to ensure systematic and deliberate participation.“African countries often need external support in dealing with conflicts and the primary responsibility for resolving our predicaments lies among regional institutions such as the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF),” she said.The minister highlighted that the country was committed to establish a strong partnership with EASF in undertaking practical steps to build capacity for the civilian component.“Our government is fully committed to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills aimed at preparing you to serve in peace support operations as well as regional organizations dealing in peace and security matters,” she told participants.The course was funded by the Federal Republic of Germany through the German International Cooperation (GIZ).The training is attended by three participants from each of the 10 member states except Somalia and Uganda that sent two. Present also are five officials from the EASF.The other countries are Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Seychelles and Sudan.The Director of Rwanda Peace Academy, Col Jill Rutaremara, noted that his team will introduce civilian participants to the vital methods and concepts while preparing them for peacekeeping missions in the region and on the entire African continent.“We will deliver internationally recognised professional training courses and educational programs in order to equip the civilian personnel with the competences and knowledge required to meet Africa’s present and future complex peace and security challenges,” he said.Rutaremara disclosed that RPA has acquired land in the vicinity of the Command and Staff College where they are currently constructing a training facility that will be completed by the end of next month.

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Peace Support course opens in Musanze