The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has closed a one-year project aimed at strengthening the capacity of West African and Sahel states to implement the Accra Ini­tiative, and respond effectively to violent extremism and cross-bor­der insecurity.

The project, funded by the Gov­ernment of Japan and implement­ed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focused on improving coordination, building trust, and enhancing operational readiness among member states.

The Accra Initiative comprises Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivo­ire, Ghana, Togo, Mali, and Niger, with Nigeria as an observer.

Speaking at the closing ceremo­ny on Friday, the Deputy Com­mandant of KAIPTC, Brigadier General Zibrim Ayorrogo, thanked stakeholders for their support and said the initiative had significantly advanced multinational coopera­tion.

He highlighted that tailored training, field research, and dialogue platforms had strength­ened security collaboration in the region.

“West Africa’s security challeng­es remain complex and dynamic. Sustaining the momentum and deepening partnerships built through this project is crucial,” he said.

The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Hiroshi Yoshimoto, de­scribed the project as a reflection of Japan’s commitment to African peace and stability.

He recalled Prime Minister Fu­mio Kishida’s 2022 visit to Ghana, during which Japan pledged to support counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea.

“Terrorism and violent ex­tremism persist in the Sahel and beyond, and coordinated action through initiatives like this remains essential,” he noted.

Ms Hussein, UNDP Deputy Representative, underlined that the Sahel had become the global epicentre of terrorism, accounting for nearly half of the world’s ter­rorism-related deaths in 2024.

She said the project not only trained security actors but also raised awareness of the Accra Initiative among civil society and promoted community engagement.

“The Steering Committee, co-chaired by KAIPTC and UNDP, was instrumental in guiding activities, reviewing work plans, and addressing risks, which led to successful implementation,” she explained.

Ms Hussein added that the ini­tiative had improved early warning systems, promoted inclusive gov­ernance, and built resilience within vulnerable communities.

The project was conceived in response to worsening insecuri­ty in the Sahel, where escalating violence has caused mass dis­placement, civilian casualties, and humanitarian crises.