The MoU, which was signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, will provide a framework for collaboration between the UNOAU and KAIPTC to support the African Union, its regional and economic communities, regional mechanisms and member states.

It will further strengthen the UN, AU and KAIPTC partnership in the areas of contributing to addressing peace and security on the African continent.

The MoU also marked a significant step for KAIPTC in furthering its strategic priority to support the AU Commission to execute its mandate on promoting and securing a peaceful Africa.

Optimism

The Head of the UNOAU, Dr Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, at a brief signing ceremony, expressed optimism of the prospects of the two institutions in ensuring peace and stability on the African continent.

Dr Onanga-Anyanga, also a Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), called for periodic meetings to explore areas of support to the African Union and give the partnership real significance in terms of cooperation.

He said improving peace and security in Africa involved multifaceted and comprehensive approaches involving various stakeholders at local, regional and international levels, adding that the signing of the MoU was significant and timely.

Such regional cooperation, he said, would be key to peace-building efforts and a move to addressing the security challenges in Africa collectively.

Commandant of the KAIPTC, Major General Richard Addo Gyane, who led the Executive Management Committee of the centre to the signing ceremony, reaffirmed the centre's commitment to the partnership agreement.

He said sustainable peace and security in Africa required long-term commitment, collaboration, cooperation and a holistic approach to addressing the security challenges on the continent and that the KAIPTC was ready to provide the needed support.

The Commandant said the centre was committed to gender equality, and had as a result upgraded its Women, Peace and Security unit to a department, which would not only mainstream issues of gender but also integrate the youth — a critical component of the peace and security architecture.

He said the institute would now be known as the Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI).

Maj. Gen. Gyane said recognising the importance of engaging the youth in peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts was crucial for sustainable peace and security in any society.