By outdoor-nature-child.com **Interview with Tunde Rahman on Nigeria’s Contributions to Global Peacekeeping**
**Interviewer:** Tunde, Nigeria has been a significant contributor to UN peacekeeping operations since 1960. Can you give us some context on this commitment?
**Tunde Rahman:** Absolutely. In 1960, Nigeria made its first deployment of individual police officers to the UN Mission in the Congo, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Louis Edet. Since then, Nigeria has consistently dedicated troops and police officers to maintaining global peace and security. Tragically, some of our brave officers lost their lives, while many others sustained lifelong injuries.
**Interviewer:** During the military era, how did Nigeria play a role in peacekeeping in Africa?
**Tunde Rahman:** Notably, under General Ibrahim Babangida’s leadership, Nigeria was instrumental in the ECOWAS Monitoring Group, which intervened in Liberia during a brutal civil war. Nigerian troops also formed the backbone of the UN Mission in Liberia from 2003 to 2018, helping to restore security throughout the country.
**Interviewer:** What other countries has Nigeria supported in peacekeeping missions?
**Tunde Rahman:** Nigeria has participated in peacekeeping operations across several African nations, including Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Mali, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Somalia, Rwanda, and Burundi. Beyond Africa, our police force has also engaged in missions in places like Western Sahara, Cambodia, former Yugoslavia, and Afghanistan.
**Interviewer:** It seems Nigeria’s role extends beyond just peacekeeping. How has the country contributed to strengthening democracy?
**Tunde Rahman:** Indeed, Nigeria’s contributions have been pivotal in democratic stabilization across Africa. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo notably facilitated the restoration of democratic order in São Tomé and Príncipe after a military coup. He even helped take the ousted president back to power on his plane. Moreover, Nigeria played a critical role in the peaceful evacuation of former Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh when he resisted stepping down after losing an election.
**Interviewer:** Given all these contributions, why is there a call for a permanent seat for Africa in the UN Security Council?
**Tunde Rahman:** Nigeria firmly believes that Africa deserves a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, reflecting the continent’s significant contributions to global peace and security. During the recent UN General Assembly, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized that reform is essential for the Council to adapt to our rapidly changing world.
**Interviewer:** What were the highlights of Vice President Shettima’s presentation?
**Tunde Rahman:** He made a compelling case for expanding the Security Council to include more diverse and representative voices. He argued that Africa, with its vast population and resources, deserves a respected place among the permanent members of the Security Council, sharing the same rights and responsibilities as others.
**Interviewer:** How do you see Nigeria’s future role in the UN and global affairs?
**Tunde Rahman:** Nigeria has the potential to be a real leader for Africa on the global stage. With a youthful and vibrant population, coupled with abundant resources, Nigeria can greatly contribute to UN efforts. Achieving a permanent seat in the Security Council would be a significant step in recognizing the country’s unwavering commitment to peace and security.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that the costs of these peacekeeping operations are significant. Can you elaborate on that?
**Tunde Rahman:** Yes, for instance, Nigeria’s involvement in the ECOMOG mission in Liberia was estimated to cost the government around $8 billion. This figure illustrates the considerable financial and human investment Nigeria has made in securing stability in the region.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like Nigeria’s efforts have been monumental. How do you envision Nigeria’s future in terms of leadership within Africa?
**Tunde Rahman:** Nigeria must embrace its status as a giant of Africa. Once the reform agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration comes to fruition, Nigeria will be better positioned to assert its role as a leader in the global community, thereby fulfilling the vision of impactful leadership that figures like Nelson Mandela had for the country.