Nigeria is contributing troops to various United Nations Peacekeeping operations, the most recent is United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Southern Sudan.
Nigeria is making a significant contribution to United Nations Peace Keeping operations by sending troops to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in South Sudan. This mission is essential in helping to ensure the lasting peace and stability of the region.
According to an April Press release by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Acting Director Defence Information “Nigeria is contributing troops to various United Nations Peace keeping operations, the most recent is United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Southern Sudan.”
“The Mission is commanded by a Nigerian, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr. It should be noted that the UN doesn’t have its own troops, rather it enter into agreement with troops contributing countries to provide their personnel and equipment for operations in its various missions.”
Nigeria, being the most populous country in Africa, has been a key contributor to peacekeeping operations across the continent. Recently, the Nigerian troops have been deployed to South Sudan for the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) peacekeeping mission.
Last year, UN Secretary-General appointed a Nigerian general to lead the United Nations Interim Force for Abyei (UNISFA), for the first time since its establishment in 2011.
UNISFA was established in 2011 to maintain peace and security in the Abyei Area, which is located in the border region between South Sudan and Sudan. The area has been a source of conflict between the two countries, with both claiming ownership. In order to prevent further conflict, UNISFA was established with the mandate of monitoring the border region and protecting civilians.
Nigeria, with its vast experience in peacekeeping operations, has been a key contributor to UNISFA since its establishment. In fact, Nigeria is one of the largest troop contributors to UN peacekeeping missions in Africa, with over 4,000 personnel deployed to various missions.
The deployment of Nigerian troops to South Sudan is a testament to the country’s commitment to promoting peace and security in Africa. The troops will be responsible for providing security and ensuring the safety of civilians in the Abyei Area. They will also be tasked with monitoring the border region to prevent any further conflict.
The deployment of Nigerian troops to South Sudan is a welcome development, given the current security situation in the country. South Sudan has been embroiled in conflict since 2013, when a civil war broke out between the government and rebel forces. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of millions of people and has left the country on the brink of a humanitarian crisis.
The Nigerian troops will work alongside other UN peacekeeping forces to ensure the success of the mission. Their presence will not only provide security to the people of Abyei but will also serve as a reminder of the international community’s commitment to peace and stability in Africa.
In conclusion, the deployment of Nigerian troops to South Sudan for the UNISFA peacekeeping mission is a commendable effort by the Nigerian government. The troops will play a critical role in maintaining peace and security in the Abyei Area and in preventing any further conflict between South Sudan and Sudan. This deployment is yet another example of Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in Africa, and the international community should continue to support such efforts.
Meanwhile, the first batch of South Sudanese soldiers arrived in Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday. The group of at least 45 soldiers is joining a regional military force in the region.
