Japan will launch a new phase of its support to CCCPA in recognition of its role in supporting peace and security in Africa.The decision was announced in the joint communiqué by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the occasion of President Sisi's first official visit to Japan last month (joint communiqué). The new grant for 2016-2017 will support the Center’s training and research activities in the fields of conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, and countering transnational threats, including terrorism and extremist ideologies leading to it.

Counselor Ashraf Swelam, Director of the Cairo Center, welcomed the news. “This is a step further in solidifying what is already an exemplary model of successful cooperation between Egypt, Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in building African capacities”, he remarked. “It is further proof of the two countries’ determination to work closely, including through their membership of the United Nations Security Council, to partner in shouldering their responsibilities towards the maintenance of peace and security in Africa and the world”, he added.

 Deputy Director of CCCPA, Counselor Hatem Elatawy, echoed the sentiment of the joint Egypt-Japan statement, describing the project as “a leap forward towards a new chapter in Egyptian-Japanese cooperation in peace and security in Africa and beyond.” “The project is a major boost to ongoing cooperation between Egypt and Japan in preparation for the TICAD VI, scheduled to take place in Africa for the first time,” he added.

CCCPA has been the recipient of Japanese support since 2008, through a solid framework of cooperation with the UNDP. During those years, Japanese support was instrumental in strengthening the Center’s institutional capacity and enhancing its ability to build capacities for peace and security in Africa.

Founded in 1994 by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Cairo Center for Conflict Resolution & Peacekeeping in Africa is a Center of Excellence of the African Union in training, education and capacity building in the fields of peace and security. It is the only civilian training center on these issues in the Arab world.

For further information please contact Ms. Iman Keira at CCCPA on +20 (2) 27928910 or email address iman.keira@cairopeacekeeping.org.


Photo Credit: Japan Cabinet Public Relations Office