After leaving the United Nations peacekeeping missions because of the insurgency that was wreaking havoc on the nation, Nigeria has returned.
In order to improve security in the nation, Nigeria withdrew troops from UN operations in Mali and Sudan in 2013.
The U.N. peacekeeping spokesman at the time, Kieran Dwyer, told Reuters that up to two battalions of troops were removed from the missions.
He said, “We can confirm that Nigeria has officially notified (U.N. peacekeeping) of its intention to withdraw some of its troops – up to two battalions – from UNAMID”.
Notwithstanding the escalating instances of insecurity across the nation, investigations reveal that between July 2021 and May 2022, the administration of President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) sent no fewer than 640 soldiers to countries such Guinea Bissau and the Gambia. Security professionals did, however, denounce the rollout.
The UN Temporary Security Force for Abyei’s Acting Chief of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Benjamin Sawyerr, stated in a statement on Wednesday that Nigeria was re-inducted into the peacekeeping mission on March 15, 2023.
The statement was titled, ‘Nigeria returns to UN Peacekeeping Operations after years of absence as UNISFA marks one year of reconfiguration into a multinational peacekeeping force’.
It partly read,” Today, March 15 the Nigerian Base Defence Company deployed into UNISFA to join the rest of the Multinational Peacekeeping Force. The induction of the Nigerian UN Peacekeepers completes the 8-contingent member troops contributing countries in UNISFA.”
UNISFA commander Sawyerr said, “Despite initial challenges, the force has been able to achieve its mandate by protecting civilians and engaging with the two host governments as well as the host communities to encourage dialogue.” Sawyerr was speaking at the parade commemorating UNISFA’s first anniversary.
He was grateful for the local government’s and the traditional institutions’ assistance in establishing a cordial conversation that would result in the resolution of Abyei’s ultimate status.
“He commended the support of the UN Headquarters for high-level visits, budgetary allocations, and logistics support. He praised the AFPs, humanitarian agencies, and NGOs for their support in delivering Humanitarian assistance to the communities,” the statement added.
