𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄

The Protection of Civilians (POC) Course officially commenced at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS), with participants from a wide range of countries. Sponsored by the United Kingdom government, the course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to assess, plan, and implement POC activities within United Nations (UN) and African Union (AU) peace operations.

The course is based on the recognition that peace support and peacekeeping operations (PSO/PKO) have become increasingly dynamic and complex, with civilians often bearing the greatest burden of conflict. As a result, the protection of civilians has become a central mandate, frequently used as a measure of success in peace operations. This course is designed to enhance participants’ understanding of POC frameworks and intricacies, thereby contributing to the operational effectiveness of the African Standby Forces.

The course has participants from Botswana, Comoros, Ethiopia, Finland, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and Zambia.

In his opening remarks, the Commandant HPSS, Colonel Rongoei highlighted the importance of the training, stating, "This course aims to provide you with the necessary tools to assess, plan, and implement Protection of Civilians activities effectively within both UN and AU peace operations."

This two-week course is expected to provide valuable insights that will enhance the capabilities of peacekeepers involved in protecting vulnerable populations in conflict zones.

𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄

The United Nations Police Commanders Course commenced on 13 January 2025, presided over by the Inspector General (IG)of the National Police Service, Mr. Douglas Kanja Kirocho MGH, CBS, OGW.

Co-sponsored by the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway, the course brings together participants from a diverse group of countries, including Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, China, Kenya, Nigeria, Norway, Rwanda, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

In her remarks, Brigadier Sitienei emphasized the significance of the course, stating, "This training comes at a crucial time, as the evolving nature of global conflicts has fundamentally changed the role of police in peace support operations."

"The course is designed to equip appointed or potential UN Heads of Police Components, as well as other senior UN police leaders, with the essential competencies, skills, and knowledge required to effectively carry out their leadership responsibilities. It highlights the critical role of police as key players in peace support operations," reiterated IG of Police, Mr Kanja.

The course will run for two weeks. Also present during the opening was Mr. Ata Yenigun, representing the United Nations Police Advisor.

𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄

The United Nations Senior Mission Leaders (SML) Course was officially inaugurated today at the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) in Karen. This course, a collaborative effort between the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, the United Kingdom's British Peace Support Team Africa, the United Nations Integrated Service, and the United Nations Department of Peace Operations, was presided over by the Vice Chief of Defence Forces (VCDF), Lieutenant General John Omenda.

In his address, Lt Gen Omenda emphasized the growing complexity of contemporary peace and security challenges, highlighting the importance of effective leadership in peacekeeping missions. He urged participants to recognize the crucial role of all stakeholders in mission operations. Switzerland's Ambassador to Kenya, HE Amb. Mirko Giuletti, reaffirmed Switzerland’s dedication to peacebuilding, emphasizing their strong belief in the power of capacity building to foster smart, innovative, and adaptable leadership for sustainable peace.

Brigadier Sitienei, in her remarks, welcomed the participants and urged them to fully engage with the course content, share their experiences, and learn from one another. She emphasized that their active participation and contributions will be vital to the success of the course.

The SML Course, now in its 32nd iteration, has attracted 26 participants from across the globe. The opening ceremony was also attended by the UK Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya, Mr. Ed Barnett, and Ms. Leila Zerrougui, former SRSG of MONUSCO, along with other distinguished mentors.

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄

𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄

𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄

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