The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) hosted a commemorative symposium in honour of renowned diplomat and peacebuilder, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, as part of celebrations marking his 75th birthday.
The event brought together diplomats, traditional leaders, academics, civil society actors and international partners to reflect on his enduring legacy in African peace and security.
Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Prof. Takyiwaa Manu, expressed gratitude to KAIPTC for opening its doors for what she described as a “historic gathering” to celebrate an African statesman whose influence continues to shape the continent’s governance and security architecture.
She noted that the symposium, the first in a series of commemorative events, was designed to highlight Dr Chambas’ thoughtful leadership, decades of service, and distinguished contributions to Africa’s peace landscape.
Prof. Manu explained that the day’s programme featured a symposium on peace and security in Africa, the launch of a tribute publication, and the screening of a documentary chronicling Dr Chambas’ work.
She emphasised that these activities were carefully curated in recognition of the complex peace and security challenges Africa continues to face, ranging from violent extremism in the Sahel, terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin, electoral violence, maritime insecurity, political instability, and climate-induced threats.
She observed that over the last four decades, institutions such as the African Union, regional economic communities and the United Nations, alongside civil society, have employed preventive diplomacy, mediation, peacekeeping and reconstruction efforts to address these issues.
Few leaders, she added, have been as deeply involved in shaping these responses as Dr. Chambas.
Prof. Manu highlighted several milestones in his illustrious career, including his tenure as Executive Secretary of ECOWAS, where he played a central role in the Liberian and Sierra Leonean peace processes, and advanced the ECOWAS Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security.
As President of the ECOWAS Commission, he strengthened regional integration through the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and deepened global partnerships.
Commandant of KAIPTC, Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, expressed the Centre’s pride in hosting an event honouring a man whose leadership has had an enduring influence on peace and security in Africa.
He described Dr. Chambas as a statesman whose wisdom, humility and diplomatic skill have earned him admiration across the continent.
Air Commodore Akrong noted that the symposium not only celebrated an exceptional career but also created space for reflection on the future of peace and security in Africa.
He emphasised that Dr. Chambas’s work has inspired countless practitioners and emerging leaders in conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding.
Dr Chambas Responds With Gratitude and Reflections on Peacebuilding
Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas expressed deep appreciation for the honour bestowed on him and the effort invested in organising the celebration.
He described the day as “a moment of joy and reflection,” thanking the planning committee, organisers and all attendees for dedicating their time to celebrate his life and work.
Dr. Chambas reflected on his journey through diplomacy, academia and peacebuilding, recalling years of service in the ECOWAS system, the African Union and the United Nations.
He shared memories of navigating complex conflicts—from Sudan to the Sahel—and acknowledged colleagues, civil society partners and peace councils who worked alongside him over the decades.
He stressed the importance of strong institutions, particularly national peace councils and civil society, in protecting democratic processes and promoting conflict resolution.
He urged Africans to defend their heritage, history and identity, emphasising that the continent must continue to harness its greatest assets—its youth, its women and its natural resources.
“We must stand united, to reshape the African narrative, uphold our dignity, and create a future that reflects our values and aspirations,” he said.
