UN peacekeeping trainer course kicks off in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has become the first African country—and only the second globally—to host the United Nations Staff Officer Training of Trainers (UNSO TOT) course, marking a major milestone in international peacekeeping capacity-building efforts.

The two-week course, which began on Monday, July 7 2025, and runs until July 17, 2025, is taking place at the Tanzania Peace Training Centre (TPTC) in Kunduchi, Dar es Salaam.

It is aimed at preparing military personnel to become instructors for UN staff officer roles in peacekeeping missions.

The training, which is funded by the Government of Canada and brings together 22 participants from Ghana, Nigeria, Vietnam, Botswana, Zambia, and Tanzania.

Experts from Tanzania, Brazil, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and the United States facilitate the training.

TPTC Commandant Brigadier General George Itang’are told reporters that the course was first piloted in Italy, making Tanzania only the second country to offer it.

“This is a significant step for us. It’s the first time the United Nations is conducting this programme in Tanzania, and it involves experienced officers who will return to their respective countries to train others—thus multiplying the impact,” said Brig. Gen. Itang’are.

He explained that every military command has commanders and staff officers, with the latter playing a crucial role in supporting operations at sector and force headquarters levels in UN peacekeeping missions.

The training focuses on equipping these future instructors with modern, UN-recognised teaching skills.

“This course strengthens Tanzania’s institutional capacity, as our local instructors are now qualified to deliver high-standard staff officer training,” noted Brig. Gen. Itang’are.

He also highlighted the strategic value of the training, saying, “We are proud to host this under the UN banner.

On behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces, we extend our appreciation for the continued support in developing our centre’s capabilities.

The Head of Integrated Training Services at the UN Department of Peace Operations, Mr Harinder Sood, underscored the relevance of the training, citing the growing complexity of peacekeeping missions.

“Field operations face numerous challenges. This course helps build national capacities by preparing trainers who will return home and replicate the training for other officers. It’s about creating a sustainable pipeline of competent UN staff officers,” he said.

Asked why Tanzania was chosen as the host, Mr Sood pointed to the country’s long-standing contribution to peacekeeping and its strong international standing.

“Tanzania is a stable and committed partner in peace support operations. Its history, professionalism, and infrastructure made it an ideal location for this programme,” he said.

The UNSO TOT course serves as a key initiative in the UN’s broader efforts to ensure that peacekeeping operations are supported by well-trained, adaptable, and professional military staff officers drawn from across the globe.