Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Sawyerr, Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNISFA, announced the induction of the Nigerian peacekeepers, thereby completing UNISFA's eight-contingent member troops contributing countries.
During a parade commemorating the first anniversary, Sawyerr reported that the force had achieved its mandate by protecting civilians and engaging the two host governments and communities despite initial challenges.
Sawyerr emphasized that the force had promoted dialogue, assisted humanitarian agencies to aid the people, and supported the two-country teams of Juba and Khartoum in implementing Programmatic Funding Activities.
He expressed his gratitude for the cooperation and collaboration of the local administration and traditional institutions in forging a peaceful dialogue that would lead to the determination of the final status of Abyei. He commended the UN Headquarters for its support, including high-level visits, budgetary allocations, and logistics support.
Sawyerr also lauded the AFPs, humanitarian agencies, and NGOs for their support in delivering humanitarian assistance to communities. He praised the military, police, and civilian components of the mission for working together in harmony with the vision. The commander declared that the mission would continue to operate under the UN's core values of integrity, impartiality, professionalism, and respect for gender and diversity.
He acknowledged the roles played by the female engagement teams and added that all contingents would continue to increase women's participation in UN peacekeeping. Sawyerr stated that challenges still must be tackled and urged peacekeepers not to rest on their oars but be spurred to give their best. According to him, peacekeeping is a thankless job for global peace.
The Nigerian Base Defence Company's deployment to UNISFA follows Nigeria's renewed commitment to global peacekeeping efforts, and Sawyerr praised the country's return. He said adding the Nigerian peacekeepers would strengthen UNISFA's capabilities and promote regional stability.
Sawyerr expressed his hope that the peacekeepers' efforts would enhance the mission's effectiveness in protecting civilians, assisting humanitarian agencies, and supporting the two-country teams in implementing Programmatic Funding Activities.
Nigeria has actively participated in UN peacekeeping missions since the 1960s and has contributed to various peacekeeping efforts worldwide, including in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Sudan, and Congo. The country is committed to peacekeeping and has been recognized for promoting peace, security, and stability in Africa.
The Nigerian peacekeepers' return to UNISFA signals the country's renewed commitment to peacekeeping and regional stability.
The UNISFA mission was established in June 2011 to maintain peace and security in the Abyei area, claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan. UNISFA's mandate is to monitor and verify the redeployment of armed forces from the Abyei area, ensure civilians' security, and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery.
UNISFA comprises military, police, and civilian components from various contributing countries, and its operations are conducted in close collaboration with the governments of Sudan and South Sudan.
Adding the Nigerian peacekeepers to UNISFA is expected to enhance the mission's operational capabilities and increase the effectiveness of its peacekeeping efforts.
The Nigerian Base Defence Company brings to UNISFA its expertise in providing security and defence services, which will be crucial in safeguarding the mission's personnel and assets. The Nigerian peacekeepers will also promote the mission's objectives of protecting civilians and promoting regional stability.