The Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA) received a delegation from the Southern African Development Community Regional Peacekeeping Training Centre (SADC RPTC) on 23 November 2022. The purpose of the visit was to discuss potential areas of mutual interest and explore avenues for collaboration between the two African Centers of Excellence.

Ambassador Ahmed Abdel-Latif, Director-General of CCCPA, presented the Center’s various programs, which aim to build the capacities of African countries in the areas of peace and security, particularly conflict prevention; peacekeeping; peacebuilding; disarmament demobilization, and reintegration; preventing radicalization and extremism leading to terrorism; enhancing the role of women in peace and security; as well as climate change and its implications on security and development.

 

Moreover, Ambassador Abdel-Latif highlighted CCCPA’s role as the Secretariat of the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centres since 2017--an open and voluntary association of centers, institutions, agencies, and programs dealing with peace operations research, education, and training. He also pointed to the Center’s role as the Secretariat of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development--an African platform which aims to advance sustainable peace and development efforts in Africa.

Colonel Coleen Mafika, SADC RPTC Deputy Commandant, expressed his appreciation for CCCPA’s longstanding efforts and important role in supporting peace and stability across Africa. He also emphasized that he looks forward to developing collaboration between the two centers and to benefitting from CCCPA’s expertise and activities, particularly in the areas of peacekeeping; preventing radicalization and extremism leading to terrorism; as well as women, peace, and security. Colonel Mafika also provided an overview of the SADC RPTC programs and activities, highlighting that the Center--established in 1996--is mandated to design, provide, and coordinate peacekeeping/Peace Support Operations training in the SADC region in line with AU and UN standards, and as mandated by the SADC Secretariat.