173
Peace Support Operations in Africa
A Perspective from Nigeria
Major General Suraj ABDURRAHMAN, Nigerian
Armed Forces, Director of Policy, Defense HQ, Lagos
I should like at the outset of this presentation, to express
appreciation to the organizers of this Seminar, the
Austrian Blue Helmet Association, for putting together
this seminar and particularly for inviting me to
participate. This seminar could not have been better
timed, coming as it were, at a time that Africa is being
preoccupied with efforts to establish the African Standby
Force. It is indeed my great pleasure to be here today to
address such an admixture of important audience of
universal peace seekers.
As the UN reviews and reassesses its role in peace
operations, conflict management mechanisms in regional
organizations and other arrangements offer new
opportunities. Different regions are evolving in different
ways and their respective capabilities to deal with their
problems vary. Regional action can have both advantages
and disadvantages. States in the region concerned have
national interests in the stability of their local
environment and are more likely to be willing to take part
in peace operations that are closer to the homeland.
Moreover, they will be more familiar with regional
cultures and attitudes than outsiders. On the other hand,
sometimes states in the region may be too close to the
issues and may have their own agenda. Conflicting
173
issues and may have their own agenda. Conflicting
sometimes states in the region may be too close to the
cultures and attitudes than outsiders. On the other hand,
Moreover, they will be more familiar with regional
in peace operations that are closer to the homeland.
environment and are more likely to be willing to take part
national interests in the stability of their local
and disadvantages. States in the region concerned have
problems vary. Regional action can have both advantages
ways and their respective capabilities to deal with their
opportunities. Different regions are evolving in different
organizations and other arrangements offer new
operations, conflict management mechanisms in regional
As the UN reviews and reassesses its role in peace
universal peace seekers.
address such an admixture of important audience of
Force. It is indeed my great pleasure to be here today to
preoccupied with efforts to establish the African Standby
timed, coming as it were, at a time that Africa is being
participate. This seminar could not have been better
this seminar and particularly for inviting me to
Austrian Blue Helmet Association, for putting together
appreciation to the organizers of this Seminar, the
I should like at the outset of this presentation, to express
Armed Forces, Director of Policy, Defense HQ, Lagos
Major General Suraj ABDURRAHMAN, Nigerian
A Perspective from Nigeria
Peace Support Operations in Africa
 174
Nigerian Army) was called to what can be described as
Nigerian Regiment (which metamorphosed into the
accolades, it is quite simply peace. In March 1948, the
is not the promise of fiscal reward, or international
these considerable investments as in a peace dividend
on the continent. For Nigeria, the expected return on
keeping the peace in Africa and elsewhere than any other
NIGERIA, has committed more men and materiel toward
However, over the last 44 years, one African country,
reasons.
participation of respective countries vary for a myriad of
peacekeeping missions. The level of commitment and
to support, or volunteer for service in the various
ranks of its membership. Typically, countries are asked
concerns, it has always sought allies from within the
for dealing with global security and humanitarian
authority with the most resources at the multilateral level
While the UN remains the pre-eminent international
brave souls have been Nigerian Armed Forces personnel.
United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. Some of these
Over 1,500 peacekeepers have died in the service of the
Nigerias Commitment and Sacrifices
Africa and elsewhere around the world.
generate practical solutions that would be applicable in
and indeed Africa. I hope this forum will look at this and
had ample experiences of both situations in West Africa,
other resources available for peace operations. We have
peace process. There may also be inadequate military and
interests and lack of mutual trust may undermine the
interests and lack of mutual trust may undermine the
peace process. There may also be inadequate military and
other resources available for peace operations. We have
had ample experiences of both situations in West Africa,
and indeed Africa. I hope this forum will look at this and
generate practical solutions that would be applicable in
Africa and elsewhere around the world.
Nigerias Commitment and Sacrifices
Over 1,500 peacekeepers have died in the service of the
United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. Some of these
brave souls have been Nigerian Armed Forces personnel.
While the UN remains the pre-eminent international
authority with the most resources at the multilateral level
for dealing with global security and humanitarian
concerns, it has always sought allies from within the
ranks of its membership. Typically, countries are asked
to support, or volunteer for service in the various
peacekeeping missions. The level of commitment and
participation of respective countries vary for a myriad of
reasons.
However, over the last 44 years, one African country,
NIGERIA, has committed more men and materiel toward
keeping the peace in Africa and elsewhere than any other
on the continent. For Nigeria, the expected return on
these considerable investments as in a peace dividend
is not the promise of fiscal reward, or international
accolades, it is quite simply peace. In March 1948, the
Nigerian Regiment (which metamorphosed into the
Nigerian Army) was called to what can be described as
174

the Nigerian Armed Forces first peacekeeping operation
in the then Gold Coast (now Ghana). Both the police and
military in Ghana could not contain the widespread
disturbance that started as a rally by the Ex-service Union
in Accra on February 20. Troops from the Nigerian
Regiment were then flown in and shipped to various
towns to restore law and order, a mission that was
flawlessly executed with minimum civilian casualties.
They were finally ordered back on June 19, 1948.
The formal contribution of Nigeria to the UN initiatives
in world peace was flagged off by her first Prime
Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, in his inaugural
address to the plenary session of the 15th Regular Session
on October 7, 1960, barely six days after the attainment
of independence, when he stated in his speech: it is
the desire of Nigeria to participate actively in the
work of the United Nations Organization We are
committed to upholding the principles upon which the
United Nations is founded Since that day, when
Nigeria was also admitted as the 99th member of the
United Nations, the Prime Ministers clarion call for
active participation in the work of the UN has been
carried forth by succeeding Nigerian Governments to the
present day.
Starting with ONUC over 100.000 Nigerian personnel
participated in Peace Support Operations
Since her maiden participation in the UN mission in the
Congo (ONUC) in 1960, Nigeria has continued to
actively participate in regional and UN Peace Support
175
175
actively participate in regional and UN Peace Support
Congo (ONUC) in 1960, Nigeria has continued to
Since her maiden participation in the UN mission in the
participated in Peace Support Operations
Starting with ONUC over 100.000 Nigerian personnel
present day.
carried forth by succeeding Nigerian Governments to the
active participation in the work of the UN has been
United Nations, the Prime Ministers clarion call for
Nigeria was also admitted as the 99th member of the
United Nations is founded Since that day, when
committed to upholding the principles upon which the
work of the United Nations Organization We are
the desire of Nigeria to participate actively in the
of independence, when he stated in his speech: it is
on October 7, 1960, barely six days after the attainment
address to the plenary session of the 15th Regular Session
Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, in his inaugural
in world peace was flagged off by her first Prime
The formal contribution of Nigeria to the UN initiatives
They were finally ordered back on June 19, 1948.
flawlessly executed with minimum civilian casualties.
towns to restore law and order, a mission that was
Regiment were then flown in and shipped to various
in Accra on February 20. Troops from the Nigerian
disturbance that started as a rally by the Ex-service Union
military in Ghana could not contain the widespread
in the then Gold Coast (now Ghana). Both the police and
the Nigerian Armed Forces first peacekeeping operation
 176
height, over 12,000 men of our Armed Forces,
peace enforcement where we deployed, at the missions
Nigerias ECOMOG initiative was the first test case of
What is more significant in all this is the fact that
of democratic governance in those countries at that time.
on the restoration of peace and security as well as return
it should be mentioned that they had tremendous impact
do not want to bore you with the details of the missions,
missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone in the 90s. While I
ECOWAS Cease-fire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG)
contribution to the first successful regional PSO, the
sacrifices were recorded when we made the largest
early 80s. However, our greatest challenges and
metamorphosed to an OAU Pan African Mission in the
(now Tanzania) in 1964 and Chad in 1979 which later
participating with 2 bilateral missions in Tanganyika
States (ECOWAS) as early as in the 60s. We started with
OAU/AU and Economic Community of West African
has been actively involved in missions mounted by
experts. At the regional and sub-regional levels, Nigeria
officer and military observers, civilian police and civilian
mounted by the UN, contributing unit contingents, staff
participated in over half of the total number of PSO
financial and materiel resources. So far, Nigeria has
100,000 men and women in PSO together with huge
past 44 years, Nigeria has cumulatively deployed over
and other regional organizations. Consequently, over the
multilateral security arrangements through the UN, AU
continent and the world at large by participating in
others aim at ensuring peace and security on the African
and defense policies since independence which among
Operations (PSO) has been consistent with our foreign
Operations. Our active involvement in Peace Support
Operations. Our active involvement in Peace Support
Operations (PSO) has been consistent with our foreign
and defense policies since independence which among
others aim at ensuring peace and security on the African
continent and the world at large by participating in
multilateral security arrangements through the UN, AU
and other regional organizations. Consequently, over the
past 44 years, Nigeria has cumulatively deployed over
100,000 men and women in PSO together with huge
financial and materiel resources. So far, Nigeria has
participated in over half of the total number of PSO
mounted by the UN, contributing unit contingents, staff
officer and military observers, civilian police and civilian
experts. At the regional and sub-regional levels, Nigeria
has been actively involved in missions mounted by
OAU/AU and Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS) as early as in the 60s. We started with
participating with 2 bilateral missions in Tanganyika
(now Tanzania) in 1964 and Chad in 1979 which later
metamorphosed to an OAU Pan African Mission in the
early 80s. However, our greatest challenges and
sacrifices were recorded when we made the largest
contribution to the first successful regional PSO, the
ECOWAS Cease-fire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG)
missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone in the 90s. While I
do not want to bore you with the details of the missions,
it should be mentioned that they had tremendous impact
on the restoration of peace and security as well as return
of democratic governance in those countries at that time.
What is more significant in all this is the fact that
Nigerias ECOMOG initiative was the first test case of
peace enforcement where we deployed, at the missions
height, over 12,000 men of our Armed Forces,
176

transported and sustained in Liberia by the Nigerian
Government. Lessons learnt from these missions
impacted on our preparation for subsequent sub regional
PSO.
Impact of the fall of the Iron Curtain and
Globalization
The fall of the iron curtain coupled with the impact of
globalization resulted to the increase of inter and intra
state conflicts particular on the African Continent. These
events had a tremendous impact on Nigerias role in UN
and regional PSO. The period therefore witnessed an
upsurge in Nigerias participation in PSO. In the new
millennium, we have continued to contribute troops and
military observers to the peace efforts in UNMIL
(Liberia), UNAMSIL (Sierra Leone) , UNMEE (Ethiopia
and Eritrea), ONUCI (Cote dIvoire) and MONUC (DR
Congo). In response to AU request, we have deployed
troops to the AU mission in Sudan (AMIS). Our total
troops contribution to ongoing PSO is 3,514 all ranks.
Capacity Building
Whereas African troops have respectable experience in
peacekeeping at home and abroad alongside international
troops including European armies, they have hitherto
lacked an organizational framework, philosophy, or
collective logistical structure that could be employed to
keep peace on the continent. The AU has recommended
the development of a common security policy and, by
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177
the development of a common security policy and, by
keep peace on the continent. The AU has recommended
collective logistical structure that could be employed to
lacked an organizational framework, philosophy, or
troops including European armies, they have hitherto
peacekeeping at home and abroad alongside international
Whereas African troops have respectable experience in
Capacity Building
troops contribution to ongoing PSO is 3,514 all ranks.
troops to the AU mission in Sudan (AMIS). Our total
Congo). In response to AU request, we have deployed
and Eritrea), ONUCI (Cote dIvoire) and MONUC (DR
(Liberia), UNAMSIL (Sierra Leone) , UNMEE (Ethiopia
military observers to the peace efforts in UNMIL
millennium, we have continued to contribute troops and
upsurge in Nigerias participation in PSO. In the new
and regional PSO. The period therefore witnessed an
events had a tremendous impact on Nigerias role in UN
state conflicts particular on the African Continent. These
globalization resulted to the increase of inter and intra
The fall of the iron curtain coupled with the impact of
Globalization
Impact of the fall of the Iron Curtain and
PSO.
impacted on our preparation for subsequent sub regional
Government. Lessons learnt from these missions
transported and sustained in Liberia by the Nigerian
 178
organizations.
Warning Systems of the AU and regional
strengthen the institutional capacities of the Early
Sharpen the conflict prevention of the AU as well as
military decisions of the PSC.
Committee that will meaningfully contribute into the
Develop an effective African Chiefs of Defense Staff
robustly equipped forces.
mandates to be supported by well trained and
when required to formulate credible and achievable
Encourage the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC)
vigorously pursued.
information systems for standby forces needs to be
the HQs to provide command, control, and
and SHIRBRIG in establishing Planning Elements at
The ongoing arrangements between AU, ECOWAS
effectively plan, support and manage PSO.
Strengthening the institutional capacity of the AU to
needs among others might include:
to be made functional by 2010, the vital operational
prevention, resolution and management mechanisms are
accordance with the UN Charter. If African conflict
conflict on the continent, and undertake PSO in
engage more effectively to prevent and resolve violent
assistance so that, by 2010, African partners are able to
PSO, that aims to mobilize technical and financial
AU/G8 plan to enhance African Capabilities to undertake
police and civilian expert capacity. Thus, the Joint
brigades in each of the five regions, and incorporate a
established. The ASF would comprise of standby
deployment to keep or enforce the peace, would be
2010, an African Standby Force capable of rapid
2010, an African Standby Force capable of rapid
deployment to keep or enforce the peace, would be
established. The ASF would comprise of standby
brigades in each of the five regions, and incorporate a
police and civilian expert capacity. Thus, the Joint
AU/G8 plan to enhance African Capabilities to undertake
PSO, that aims to mobilize technical and financial
assistance so that, by 2010, African partners are able to
engage more effectively to prevent and resolve violent
conflict on the continent, and undertake PSO in
accordance with the UN Charter. If African conflict
prevention, resolution and management mechanisms are
to be made functional by 2010, the vital operational
needs among others might include:
Strengthening the institutional capacity of the AU to
effectively plan, support and manage PSO.
The ongoing arrangements between AU, ECOWAS
and SHIRBRIG in establishing Planning Elements at
the HQs to provide command, control, and
information systems for standby forces needs to be
vigorously pursued.
Encourage the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC)
when required to formulate credible and achievable
mandates to be supported by well trained and
robustly equipped forces.
Develop an effective African Chiefs of Defense Staff
Committee that will meaningfully contribute into the
military decisions of the PSC.
Sharpen the conflict prevention of the AU as well as
strengthen the institutional capacities of the Early
Warning Systems of the AU and regional
organizations.
178

International Coordination
There is also the need to encourage coordination of donor
assistance and capacity building initiatives to avoid
duplication and ensure cost effectiveness. There is the
need for coordination and cooperation between the UN,
EU and G8 to strengthen the planning and strategic
management of the AU and sub-regional organizations.
Complimentarity of programs and partnership to ensure
they focus on clearly defined African priorities can lead
to the attainment of more tangible goals. On going efforts
by Western partners to develop doctrine, procedures and
equipment standardization and inter-operability needs to
be accomplished by 2007. Also, the on going efforts by
partners to assist AU and regional organizations develop
data bases to support training and standby arrangements
may need to be accomplished by 2007.
Effective mine action is an essential element of
confidence-building to promote peace and stability in a
post-conflict situation. The Demining school in Ouidah,
Benin Republic needs to be expanded to accommodate
the Anglophones.
Logistics
In a continent such as Africa, where volatile situations
arise overnight, distances are vast, infrastructure is often
nonexistent or inoperable, it is glaringly apparent that any
viable Standby Force must be able to deploy within hours
over a distance of thousands of kilometers. This would
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179
over a distance of thousands of kilometers. This would
viable Standby Force must be able to deploy within hours
nonexistent or inoperable, it is glaringly apparent that any
arise overnight, distances are vast, infrastructure is often
In a continent such as Africa, where volatile situations
Logistics
the Anglophones.
Benin Republic needs to be expanded to accommodate
post-conflict situation. The Demining school in Ouidah,
confidence-building to promote peace and stability in a
Effective mine action is an essential element of
may need to be accomplished by 2007.
data bases to support training and standby arrangements
partners to assist AU and regional organizations develop
be accomplished by 2007. Also, the on going efforts by
equipment standardization and inter-operability needs to
by Western partners to develop doctrine, procedures and
to the attainment of more tangible goals. On going efforts
they focus on clearly defined African priorities can lead
Complimentarity of programs and partnership to ensure
management of the AU and sub-regional organizations.
EU and G8 to strengthen the planning and strategic
need for coordination and cooperation between the UN,
duplication and ensure cost effectiveness. There is the
assistance and capacity building initiatives to avoid
There is also the need to encourage coordination of donor
International Coordination
 180
PSO. Arising from this, we have taken a giant step
inject well trained and robustly equipped personnel in
have made it incumbent on national governments to
coupled with the multi dimensional challenges of PSO
As earlier mentioned, the changing nature of conflicts
Nigerias Continuing Efforts
theatres needs to be addressed urgently.
airlift capability to enhance rapid deployment to African
economy of scale. Furthermore, availability of strategic
and sub-regional organizations in order to achieve
The depots when established could serve both the AU
enhance rapid deployment and mission sustainability.
sub-regional logistics bases needs to be given priority to
this constraint by 2010. The establishment of AU and
efforts by partners to assist African forces to overcome
peacekeeping forces. There is a need for deliberate
has been one of the major problems of African
for PSO. The lack of Contingent Own Equipment (COE)
of LOGISTICS and FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
peace support initiatives in Africa are the critical issues
respectively. These issues which continue to constrain
of Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Sirte, Libya
Defense Staff and the Ministers of Defense and Security
requirements for PSO, as identified by African Chiefs of
the need to address the two critical aspects or
an excellent track record, especially with the AU, there is
Beyond the planning support, which is where the UN has
Sustainability of the force to be so deployed.
probably best bring out the issues of Logistics and
probably best bring out the issues of Logistics and
Sustainability of the force to be so deployed.
Beyond the planning support, which is where the UN has
an excellent track record, especially with the AU, there is
the need to address the two critical aspects or
requirements for PSO, as identified by African Chiefs of
Defense Staff and the Ministers of Defense and Security
of Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Sirte, Libya
respectively. These issues which continue to constrain
peace support initiatives in Africa are the critical issues
of LOGISTICS and FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
for PSO. The lack of Contingent Own Equipment (COE)
has been one of the major problems of African
peacekeeping forces. There is a need for deliberate
efforts by partners to assist African forces to overcome
this constraint by 2010. The establishment of AU and
sub-regional logistics bases needs to be given priority to
enhance rapid deployment and mission sustainability.
The depots when established could serve both the AU
and sub-regional organizations in order to achieve
economy of scale. Furthermore, availability of strategic
airlift capability to enhance rapid deployment to African
theatres needs to be addressed urgently.
Nigerias Continuing Efforts
As earlier mentioned, the changing nature of conflicts
coupled with the multi dimensional challenges of PSO
have made it incumbent on national governments to
inject well trained and robustly equipped personnel in
PSO. Arising from this, we have taken a giant step
180

towards the education and training of our peacekeepers in
order to improve their operational capability and achieve
their mission mandate. I will highlight the efforts made
by Nigeria in this direction:
Unit Training: In the face of major regional and
global challenges, our training directives have been
reviewed to cater adequately for training in PSO,
drawing largely from the UN Standardized Generic
Training Modules (SGTM 1) provided by the
Military Division, Training and Evaluation Service
(MD/TES) of the UN DPKO for unit and pre-
deployment training. Formed units are now being
taken through peacekeeping techniques and skills in
the field and in the major training requirements. This
has improved the operational skills of our troops and
greatly assisted in their deployment to peace missions
at short notice.
Operation FOCUS RELIEF: As a follow up to its
support to ECOWAS during the ECOMOG
operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone, the US
Government, in 2000/2001, under the exercise
codenamed Operation FOCUS RELIEF trained some
of our units in PSO. The package which was highly
beneficial included training in tactical, operational
and logistic aspects in Low Intensity Conflicts (LIC)
and PSO. The training also included the provision of
minimal clothing, personnel equipment and transport
to benefiting units. A total of 6 Nigerian Army units
benefited from this training package. Specialist train-
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181
benefited from this training package. Specialist train-
to benefiting units. A total of 6 Nigerian Army units
minimal clothing, personnel equipment and transport
and PSO. The training also included the provision of
and logistic aspects in Low Intensity Conflicts (LIC)
beneficial included training in tactical, operational
of our units in PSO. The package which was highly
codenamed Operation FOCUS RELIEF trained some
Government, in 2000/2001, under the exercise
operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone, the US
support to ECOWAS during the ECOMOG
Operation FOCUS RELIEF: As a follow up to its
at short notice.
greatly assisted in their deployment to peace missions
has improved the operational skills of our troops and
the field and in the major training requirements. This
taken through peacekeeping techniques and skills in
deployment training. Formed units are now being
(MD/TES) of the UN DPKO for unit and pre-
Military Division, Training and Evaluation Service
Training Modules (SGTM 1) provided by the
drawing largely from the UN Standardized Generic
reviewed to cater adequately for training in PSO,
global challenges, our training directives have been
Unit Training: In the face of major regional and
by Nigeria in this direction:
their mission mandate. I will highlight the efforts made
order to improve their operational capability and achieve
towards the education and training of our peacekeepers in
 182
peacekeeping concepts, geo-political briefs on the
organization and composition of peacekeeping forces,
curriculum outline for the program includes the
for induction to peace support missions. The
package being organized for units that are earmarked
there is an intensive 6-weeks pre-induction training
Pre-Induction Training: Additional to unit training,
training to logistic support and funding.
forces, the relevant initiatives should shift from
especially the deployment of rapid deployment
for the enhancement of operational capability
order to target external initiatives against real needs
for the deployment of African peace missions. In
namely the issue of logistics sustainment and funding
crucial need of African peace support endeavors,
confidence building, they do not address the most
provide tangible benefits, including training and
observed that much of these Western initiatives
IV in the Republic of Benin. However, while we
Recently, we participated actively in EX RECAMP
agencies and donors from Western countries.
bilaterally or through multilateral organizations,
several capacity building initiatives provided
the Nigerian Armed Forces have benefited from
Capacity Building Initiative: Since the year 2000,
exit of the US Training Team.
continuous training of these and other units with the
these units, and this has helped to enhance the
the-trainers course were also organized for officers of
the-trainers course were also organized for officers of
these units, and this has helped to enhance the
continuous training of these and other units with the
exit of the US Training Team.
Capacity Building Initiative: Since the year 2000,
the Nigerian Armed Forces have benefited from
several capacity building initiatives provided
bilaterally or through multilateral organizations,
agencies and donors from Western countries.
Recently, we participated actively in EX RECAMP
IV in the Republic of Benin. However, while we
observed that much of these Western initiatives
provide tangible benefits, including training and
confidence building, they do not address the most
crucial need of African peace support endeavors,
namely the issue of logistics sustainment and funding
for the deployment of African peace missions. In
order to target external initiatives against real needs
for the enhancement of operational capability
especially the deployment of rapid deployment
forces, the relevant initiatives should shift from
training to logistic support and funding.
Pre-Induction Training: Additional to unit training,
there is an intensive 6-weeks pre-induction training
package being organized for units that are earmarked
for induction to peace support missions. The
curriculum outline for the program includes the
organization and composition of peacekeeping forces,
peacekeeping concepts, geo-political briefs on the
182

host country, code of conduct and the mission
mandate. Additionally, instructions on laws of war,
humanitarian assistance and cooperation with NGOs,
operational and non-operational safety measures are
included. There is also a 2-days package on
humanitarian international law conducted by the
ICRC. The pre-induction training usually culminates
into field exercises on tactical and logistics
requirements for the mission.
Middle Cadre and Train-the-Trainer Courses:
The middle cadre training for our personnel is
conducted at the Armed Forces Command and Staff
College (AFCSC), Infantry Corps Center and School
(ICCS) and the Nigerian Army College of Logistics
(NACOL). The AFCSC peace support package is an
intensive 2-weeks package dealing with the theory
and practice of PSO in the field at the operational
level, including an introduction to the UN system,
conduct of humanitarian operations, principles for the
conduct of PSO, lessons learnt from past and ongoing
missions, dynamics and future of contemporary UN
peacekeeping and the institutional, military and legal
background to peacekeeping. The NACOL has a
similar package dealing basically with UN
operational logistics staff check, supply,
transportation and movement control, maintenance
and medical support. We also subscribe to
peacekeeping courses and seminars in regional
peacekeeping centers and institutes around the world
for middle cadre and train-the-trainer courses.
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183
for middle cadre and train-the-trainer courses.
peacekeeping centers and institutes around the world
peacekeeping courses and seminars in regional
and medical support. We also subscribe to
transportation and movement control, maintenance
operational logistics staff check, supply,
similar package dealing basically with UN
background to peacekeeping. The NACOL has a
peacekeeping and the institutional, military and legal
missions, dynamics and future of contemporary UN
conduct of PSO, lessons learnt from past and ongoing
conduct of humanitarian operations, principles for the
level, including an introduction to the UN system,
and practice of PSO in the field at the operational
intensive 2-weeks package dealing with the theory
(NACOL). The AFCSC peace support package is an
(ICCS) and the Nigerian Army College of Logistics
College (AFCSC), Infantry Corps Center and School
conducted at the Armed Forces Command and Staff
The middle cadre training for our personnel is
Middle Cadre and Train-the-Trainer Courses:
requirements for the mission.
into field exercises on tactical and logistics
ICRC. The pre-induction training usually culminates
humanitarian international law conducted by the
included. There is also a 2-days package on
operational and non-operational safety measures are
humanitarian assistance and cooperation with NGOs,
mandate. Additionally, instructions on laws of war,
host country, code of conduct and the mission
 184
Instruction Course to officially commission the wing.
(STT) from the British Army conducted a Method of
the British Government, and a Small Training Team
peace keeping centers. The PKW is fully supported by
Nigerian personnel from other regional and international
the same time complementing the knowledge gained by
training to junior team leaders and commanders while at
Jaji. The aim of the PKW is to provide realistic tactical
established in the Infantry Corps Center and School at
PSO and our future commitment to ASF, a PKW was
to meet the constant demand for Nigerian participation in
be substantial in view of our present role in PSO. In order
African Standby Brigade, which is part of the ASF, shall
Standby Force (ASF). Our contribution to the West
advance stage for the establishment of an African
In line with the Brahimi Report, plans have reached an
Peacekeeping Wing (PKW)
The African Standby Force (ASF) and Nigerias
Course and UN Senior Managers Course in 2005.
2004, the UN Training Assistant Team (UNTAT)
college hosted the UN Challenges Seminar in June
strategic level training in PSO for the sub-region. The
Abuja has been restructured and refocused to handle
training facilities, the National War College (NWC)
Strategic Level Training: In addition to the above
Strategic Level Training: In addition to the above
training facilities, the National War College (NWC)
Abuja has been restructured and refocused to handle
strategic level training in PSO for the sub-region. The
college hosted the UN Challenges Seminar in June
2004, the UN Training Assistant Team (UNTAT)
Course and UN Senior Managers Course in 2005.
The African Standby Force (ASF) and Nigerias
Peacekeeping Wing (PKW)
In line with the Brahimi Report, plans have reached an
advance stage for the establishment of an African
Standby Force (ASF). Our contribution to the West
African Standby Brigade, which is part of the ASF, shall
be substantial in view of our present role in PSO. In order
to meet the constant demand for Nigerian participation in
PSO and our future commitment to ASF, a PKW was
established in the Infantry Corps Center and School at
Jaji. The aim of the PKW is to provide realistic tactical
training to junior team leaders and commanders while at
the same time complementing the knowledge gained by
Nigerian personnel from other regional and international
peace keeping centers. The PKW is fully supported by
the British Government, and a Small Training Team
(STT) from the British Army conducted a Method of
Instruction Course to officially commission the wing.
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The present Situation regarding the African Standby
Force (ASF)
The prospects for the establishment of ASF are very high
with the development of AU/regional defense and
security mechanisms, force structures and concept of
operations (CONOPs). There is a desire to see that the
AU standby arrangement mechanism is realized as most
African countries have already pledged forces to regional
brigades under ASF. Nigeria has pledged 1 x Inf Bn, 1 x
Recce Bn, 1 x Arty Regt, 1 x Engr Regt, 1 x Sig Sqn and
level II medical hospital. However, the above dream will
not go beyond rhetoric unless the following issues are
urgently addressed:
1. On-going restructuring of the AU and regional HQ to
develop institutional capacity to support ASF and
PSO should be accomplished soonest.
2. Plan for establishing and equipping of logistics
depots for ASF needs to be completed soonest.
3. On going effort to develop doctrine and related
documents on procedures, SOPs, techniques and
guidelines to ensure command, control and
communication of ASF and regional brigades needs
to be accomplished soonest.
4. Member states of AU need to accept assessed budget
quotas to raise money for the ASF Trust Fund.
5. There should be increased consultation, cooperation
and coordination between the UN, AU and sub-
regional organizations to ensure the standby
mechanism attain its objectives.
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185
mechanism attain its objectives.
regional organizations to ensure the standby
and coordination between the UN, AU and sub-
There should be increased consultation, cooperation 5.
quotas to raise money for the ASF Trust Fund.
Member states of AU need to accept assessed budget 4.
to be accomplished soonest.
communication of ASF and regional brigades needs
guidelines to ensure command, control and
documents on procedures, SOPs, techniques and
On going effort to develop doctrine and related 3.
depots for ASF needs to be completed soonest.
Plan for establishing and equipping of logistics 2.
PSO should be accomplished soonest.
develop institutional capacity to support ASF and
On-going restructuring of the AU and regional HQ to 1.
urgently addressed:
not go beyond rhetoric unless the following issues are
level II medical hospital. However, the above dream will
Recce Bn, 1 x Arty Regt, 1 x Engr Regt, 1 x Sig Sqn and
brigades under ASF. Nigeria has pledged 1 x Inf Bn, 1 x
African countries have already pledged forces to regional
AU standby arrangement mechanism is realized as most
operations (CONOPs). There is a desire to see that the
security mechanisms, force structures and concept of
with the development of AU/regional defense and
The prospects for the establishment of ASF are very high
Force (ASF)
The present Situation regarding the African Standby
 186
political will and resources on the part of the
proffered in many fora but whether there is commitment,
exhaustive. Concrete recommendations have been
well as priorities for achieving same are almost
(ASF) and regional standby forces and requirements as
capacity, establishment of an African Standby Force
the last 3 years, discussion on strengthening African PSO
in augmenting our deficiencies in logistic support. Over
of training and institutional capacity building as well as
to support us in the noble venture particularly in the area
all stake holders especially our good friends and partners
peace missions. It is in this connection that we implore
deploy well trained and robustly equipped personnel in
in view of the requirement of the Brahimi Report to
playing in PSO particularly in Africa is quite enormous
The burden placed on Nigeria by the leading role she is
demonstrated in Cote dIvoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
stages for the UN to intervene later as ECOWAS has
can intervene faster and cheaper. They can also set the
Units are provided with appropriate logistics assets. They
and Security would be enhanced if the Regional Standby
Resolution and the maintenance of International Peace
launched. Therefore it is felt that effective Conflict
drawback is the lack of capacity for sustaining PSO once
Judging from ECOWAS experience, the greatest
If we work together, we shall maximize the advantages.
countries and our Western partners for peace operations.
opportunities to expand the interface between African
optimistic note by acknowledging that there are many
I should like to conclude this brief presentation on an
Conclusion
Conclusion
I should like to conclude this brief presentation on an
optimistic note by acknowledging that there are many
opportunities to expand the interface between African
countries and our Western partners for peace operations.
If we work together, we shall maximize the advantages.
Judging from ECOWAS experience, the greatest
drawback is the lack of capacity for sustaining PSO once
launched. Therefore it is felt that effective Conflict
Resolution and the maintenance of International Peace
and Security would be enhanced if the Regional Standby
Units are provided with appropriate logistics assets. They
can intervene faster and cheaper. They can also set the
stages for the UN to intervene later as ECOWAS has
demonstrated in Cote dIvoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The burden placed on Nigeria by the leading role she is
playing in PSO particularly in Africa is quite enormous
in view of the requirement of the Brahimi Report to
deploy well trained and robustly equipped personnel in
peace missions. It is in this connection that we implore
all stake holders especially our good friends and partners
to support us in the noble venture particularly in the area
of training and institutional capacity building as well as
in augmenting our deficiencies in logistic support. Over
the last 3 years, discussion on strengthening African PSO
capacity, establishment of an African Standby Force
(ASF) and regional standby forces and requirements as
well as priorities for achieving same are almost
exhaustive. Concrete recommendations have been
proffered in many fora but whether there is commitment,
political will and resources on the part of the
186

beneficiaries, UN, regional organizations and Western
militaries, remains the major concern.
Therefore, with on-going efforts at improving the
capabilities of regional organizations and their
arrangements for peace operations, there is now an
opportunity for the UN to effectively partner these
regional organizations. The UN will need to recognize
what it should retain, what it should pass on to regional
organizations and arrangements when practicable, and
how to best develop effective cooperation to make the
most effective use of available resources.
Nigeria will continue to play a major role in PSO for the
maintenance of global and regional peace and security.
Our training drive is based upon our experiences in past
missions and the need to inject high quality peacekeepers
in PSO. Thus, besides the concrete steps that we have
taken locally to ensure adequate training for our
personnel, we also subscribe to peacekeeping courses in
the institutions around the World in order to meet our
needs and modern trends.
It is my wish that my presentation will provide a
contribution in our common efforts to make the world a
safer place.
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187
safer place.
contribution in our common efforts to make the world a
It is my wish that my presentation will provide a
needs and modern trends.
the institutions around the World in order to meet our
personnel, we also subscribe to peacekeeping courses in
taken locally to ensure adequate training for our
in PSO. Thus, besides the concrete steps that we have
missions and the need to inject high quality peacekeepers
Our training drive is based upon our experiences in past
maintenance of global and regional peace and security.
Nigeria will continue to play a major role in PSO for the
most effective use of available resources.
how to best develop effective cooperation to make the
organizations and arrangements when practicable, and
what it should retain, what it should pass on to regional
regional organizations. The UN will need to recognize
opportunity for the UN to effectively partner these
arrangements for peace operations, there is now an
capabilities of regional organizations and their
Therefore, with on-going efforts at improving the
militaries, remains the major concern.
beneficiaries, UN, regional organizations and Western