New international peace-keeping training center under construction in Ethiopia

Coletta Wanjuhi, Press TV, Addis Ababa

Africa is to have an international peace-keeping training center by the end of 20-13. The center is located in Ethiopia and is designed to train military missions that will be deployed around the continent whenever needed. Press TV’s Coletta Wanjuhi has the details in this report:

Construction works at the new international peace training centre in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, is gearing up as the government tries to beat the 2013 deadline it has set to begin its operation. With a boost from Japan of 790,000 dollars, the Ethiopian government says it may even begin military operations in the camp by November this year. Upon completion this Centre will give training on disarmament, demobilization, reintegration of conflict-affected people as well as deepening security sector reforms.

The African Union has been in a difficult position to provide military peace keeping missions to African countries when a conflict emerges.

For instance, when military response for Somalia was needed only a handful of countries managed to respond fast.

The location of the international peace training center in Ethiopia is strategic since the country is known for responding to calls for peace keeping missions in Africa.

Ethiopia is one of the biggest contributors to peace keeping missions for the United Nations and the African union. So far it has sent over 7000 peacekeepers for missions and in some countries like Somalia its operations are self-funded.

Apart from readiness for war situations the center will be expected to address the dimensions of post conflict environments such as child protection gender issues, human trafficking , human rights , civil affairs , economic recovery and HIV and Aids issues.