Cairo, Egypt – CCCPA conducted its first context-specific dialogue, negotiation and mediation (DNM) training course for Somali officials, in Cairo from 5-9 December 2021. Drawing on Egypt's extensive expertise in the fields of DNM, the course is part of Egypt’s on-going efforts to support peace and stability in Somalia in line with its longstanding commitment to strengthening peace and security on the African continent. 

The tailored training aimed to enhance the capacity of Somali officials in the area of conflict resolution—an essential step towards building state institutions and achieving national reconciliation, in accordance with the priorities of the Somali transition plan. Seventeen officials from a range of Somali government departments and ministries participated in the training.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Sherif Issa, Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs, stated that “building Somali capacities has always been on top of Egypt’s efforts to support the country in achieving its national priorities, thus enhancing national ownership of state institutions and enabling Somalis to shoulder the relevant political and security responsibilities.” Ambassador Issa added that “Egypt extends full support to Somalia in tackling pressing challenges, foremost of which comes combatting terrorism, fostering peacebuilding and strengthening national cohesion.”

On his part, Ambassador Ahmed Abdel-Latif, Director-General of CCCPA, highlighted that the course is part of the Center’s ongoing efforts to step up its activities in support of building Somali capacities in the fields of conflict resolution and peacebuilding, drawing on the Center’s experience in these areas.

H.E. Ilyas Sheikh Omar, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to Egypt, voiced his gratitude and appreciation to Egypt and CCCPA for dedicating this course to building Somali national capacities, emphasizing the historic bonds between Egypt and Somalia. 

During the course, participants were provided with necessary knowledge, tools and skills to meaningfully contribute to conflict prevention and resolution efforts. In addition to topics on conflict, violence, and mediation, the course also covered negotiation strategies and concepts, the use of information technology in peacemaking, inclusive mediation through the participation of women, as well as mediation and non-state armed groups.

The training comes as part of the project on “Enhancing Peace, Security, and Stability in Africa VII”, funded by the Government of Japan, through UNDP.