KAIPTC Opens November 2026 HAWA Core Course to Advance Humanitarian Preparedness in West Africa
The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has opened the November 2026 edition of its Humanitarian Assistance and Peacebuilding in West Africa (HAWA) Core Course, bringing together participants from across the region to strengthen responses to humanitarian and security challenges.
The two-week programme focuses on building the capacity of humanitarian, security, development and civil society actors to respond to complex emergencies while strengthening collaboration towards sustainable peace in West Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the Commandant, Deputy Commandant, Brigadier General Lawrence Deku, described the HAWA programme as an important regional platform for strengthening cooperation and preparedness amid evolving security and humanitarian challenges.
He highlighted the need for coordinated, cross-border responses to violent extremism, forced displacement, food insecurity and climate-related challenges, stressing the importance of inclusive approaches to addressing the region’s complex security environment.
Mr Muminu Mutaru, Team Lead, Programs and Partnerships and representative of CARE International in Ghana, commended KAIPTC and acknowledged the continued support of CARE International and the Austrian Centre for Peace (ACP) in sustaining the programme. He underscored the importance of investing in people, strengthening institutional partnerships and developing practical responses to the needs of vulnerable communities.
Delivering the opening address, Colonel Michael Novotny, representing the Austrian Embassy and Deputy Defence Attaché, reaffirmed Austria’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and peacebuilding efforts in West Africa.
Drawing on lessons from the recent HAWA Local Impact Workshop in Bimbilla, he highlighted the importance of local ownership and community-led partnerships, citing the collaboration with the Nanung Peace Initiative as an example of the role local actors play in advancing sustainable peace.
He urged participants to translate the knowledge and experience gained during the course into practical action and to sustain the professional relationships established through the HAWA network beyond the training.
The November edition marks another phase in KAIPTC’s efforts to strengthen regional capacity for humanitarian response and peacebuilding. Through the HAWA programme and its partnerships, the Centre continues to support collaboration among key actors working towards more resilient and peaceful communities across West Africa.