Project
CDD Regional Institute for
Peace and Security Studies
(RIPSS)
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) is establishing a Regional
Institute for Peace and Security Studies (RIPSS) for West Africa. It
will offer a comprehensive training programme as well as informed
analysis on all aspects of Human
Security in the sub-region. It will also serve as a forum for
exchanges and dialogue between African practitioners, academics
activists at all levels.
The need for such an institute in West Africa cannot be overstated. No
effort to achieve peace and security and to strengthen governance can
succeed without the commitment and active participation of national
stakeholders: the Executive, the Legislature, the security forces,
political and civil society. But crucially, the full participation of
local stakeholders can only be realized if they have a shared/ common
understanding and knowledge of all aspects of peace and security as well
as space for continued interaction. In West Africa, there are serious
gaps in knowledge on peace and security issues among the majority of
these stakeholders. Yet training on peace and security issues often
focuses on military personnel as illustrated for example, by training
institutions such as the Kofi Anan Peacekeeping Training Centre in Ghana
and the Peacekeeping Training Centre in Zambakro, Cote d’Ivoire.
Additionally, very few academic institutions offer courses on peace and
security. For example, courses on
Conflict Resolution and Peace
Studies, are offered as part of graduate training courses in the
Universities of Ibadan and Jos in Nigeria; the University of Ghana.
The Regional Institute for Peace and Security Studies (RIPSS) will
complement the work of these existing institutions in several ways.
First, it will cover broader aspects of the field of peace and security
in the sub-region and maintain a regional focus. Second, it will pay
particular attention to a cross-section of civilian practitioners and
activists while also providing space for participation of military
personnel and an environment for interaction among these actors.
Thus, RIPSS has the following as its key objectives:
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To contribute, through its training programme, to the
process of building a community of Africans knowledgeable on issues of
human security, with a common appreciation of the threats to security in
West Africa, and to enhance their effective participation in various
governance processes.
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To assist the evolution and consolidation of stable,
secure and accountable governments through the building of capacity
across various sectors.
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To periodically produce and disseminate timely analysis
of the security situation in the West African sub-region.
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To encourage dialogue between African civil society,
governments, and the security forces on various peace and security
issues, including security sector reform and conflict prevention.
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To work with regional Institutions, particularly ECOWAS
on various issues, including the preparation of civilians for peace
support operations.