Nigeria’s Military Forces in Peace-Keeping Efforts in Africa and Beyond: An Impact Analysis

Abstract

Nigeria’s role in international peace-keeping missions predates its independence in 1960. This has continued unabated in varying dimensions in several African countries and beyond until 2013 when Nigeria officially withdrew its troops of up to two battalions from UNAMID. In Congo, Darfur, Sierra-Leone, Liberia, Gambia, Mali and Guinea Bissau among others, Nigerian soldiers’ brilliant performances grew in significance in its participation and efforts to ensure that peace is restored in trouble spots in those countries. This paper attempts a critical historical analysis of Nigeria’s commitment and role, through human capital, financial resources as well as technical weapon/armament support to resolve conflicts in Africa. From that basis, the work progresses to assess the positive and negative impacts of each of the missions on both the states involved in the conflicts and the sending party, Nigeria. The impact analysis takes a more critical approach through the utilization of various international relations theories and prisms applicable to peace-keeping efforts. Further, the work appraises the rising cases of insecurity across the country and its borders other West African which led to the withdrawal of its troops from United Nations Peacekeeping operations. Finally, the work concludes that despite the security threats at home. Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa has led to its induction back to the UN Peacekeeping mission on March 15, 2023.

Keywords: Nigeria, Peace-keeping, Conflict resolution, Military Capability and Impact Analysis

DOI: 10.7176/IAGS/100-04

Publication date:July 31^st 2023