An Assessement of The Benefits of Nigeria's Peacekeeping Role in Ensuring Peace and Stability in West Africa

An Assessement of the Benefits of Nigeria’s Peacekeeping Role in
Ensuring Peace and Stability in West Africa
Muritala DAUDA1
Ph.D Candidate, School of International Studies,
College of Law, Government and International Studies,
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
1
kalmurtala@gmail.com.
+2348037149250
Mohammad Zaki Bin AHMAD

School of International Studies,
Mohammad Faisol KELING

School of International Studies,
Mustapha Alhaji ALI

Department of Political Science,
Yobe State University, Damaturu,
Nigeria
Abstract
Nigeria has contributed immensely to the stability of the African continent.
This is part of the role the country has been playing since its independence in
1960. The role of Nigeria in ensuring peace and stability in West African sub-
region and the entire Africa has saved numerous countries from their scourge
of wars. This has prevented Africa from experiencing the reoccurrence of
Rwanda genocide in the continent. The timely intervention of Nigeria in the
crises of countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau among others
have saved those countries from disintegration. The study analyse the role
played by Nigeria in ensuring peace and stability in some countries in Africa
particularly the West Africa sub-region. It was revealed from the study that
Nigeria cannot pretend not to be concerned about any crisis happening in
Africa, particularly in her neighbouring West Africacountries due to the likely
repercussion of such crisis which may have negative impact on it. The study
makes use of realism theory which is characterized by statism, survival and
self-help. Although, the international system is anarchic, but self-help duty of
the State, political and military power are tools that can sustain the
international relations among countries. The study adopts qualitative method
that use both primary and secondary source of data. Twelve informants were
Jigawa Journal of Politics 114 Vol. 1, No. 2, December, 2018
interviewed from different Nigerian government parastatals and higher
institutions. The interview data was therefore, analyzed thematically through
Nvivo 10.
Keywords: Peacekeeping, Stability, West-Africa, Benefit, Nigeria.
Introduction
Peacekeeping is as old as the history of organized society. Since creation,
human societies have been fraught with conflictual contradictions that have
necessitated the desire for peace (Adejumobi, 2016; Ifedayo, 2013; Onoja,
1996). In other words, man cannot isolate himself without relating to other
beings and be satisfied, so it becomes necessary, perhaps, for man to interact
with one another for mutual benefits. Hence, in the course of that relationship,
misunderstanding, conflict of interests and confusion occurred in the society
(Palmer & Perkins, 1999). Since the World War II, the newly emergent states
have experienced internal and external conflicts while engaging in the process
of nation-state building (Azar, 1990).
Although conflict is an inevitable phenomenon among people, but there exists

ample evidence to show that there is rarely any continent on this planet that
has not witnessed conflict. This happened as a result of colonialism. With the
above assertion, one can conclude that the imperial powers contributed to
some of the problems or conflicts that the African countries are facing through
the cultural diversity of African countries to ensure maximization of the
colonial selfish objective (Otite, 2004). It has been revealed historically that
years after colonization, these countries remain lowly integrated. This low
level of integration has caused crises in many African countries like Nigeria,
Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire, among others. In fact, this has
experienced these countries to many conflict situations leading to civil wars,
political and economic instability (Deng, 1996).
Some scholars argue that colonization in African continent contributed to the

frequent civil disorder in Sudan, Darfur or Zimbabwe, among others, which
called for a serious concern from the African continent. Since most researchers
have agreed that conflict is a severe form of crisis (Aliyu, 2005; Dobell, 2016;
Ritter, 2014; Young, 2015), conflict is also an open disagreement between two
people or groups of people who have different goals and values (Laz, 2009).
Conflict ranges from minor intra-ethnic crisis, where small arms like machete,
dane gun and other obsolete weapons are used, to the modern age of mammoth
warfare where dangerous and highly volatile lethal weapons are employed.
With the pronounced conflict situations all over the globe, some concerned
states and the international organizations emerged as third parties who will
stand as mediators to adopt various strategies towards maintaining peace and
stability in the world (Onoja, 1996; Snyder & Diesing, 2015).

The involvement of states and international organizations as third party in a
conflict is as a result of the desire for peaceful co-existence among
states/people for the common good of the society. However, in the event that
the gentleman agreements failed among states, the peace-loving societies,
known as the third party, will be fully ready to sanction the potential aggressor
(Dauda, Ahmad & Keling, 2017). This particular action in a nutshell is the
crux of peacekeeping.
Admittedly, a peacekeeping mission does not enjoy constitutional

authorization. This does not mean that it is ultra vires. The frequency with
which peacekeeping mission is used to manage crisis has bestowed on it, in
principle, the status of a legal instrument (Saliu, 2000). However, peace-
keeping mission at the outset witnessed the problem of acceptability. Its
evolution is not supported by a firm theoretical foundation postulated by
international experts. This notwithstanding, as conflicts are managed
intermittently, the Secretary General of the UN usually prepares supportive
documents to the Security Council which have served the purpose for
reference (Onoja, 1996).
In the view of Onoja (1996:5), “peacekeeping is an operation involving the use

of military personnel but without enforcement powers to maintain or restore
international peace and security in areas of conflict”. One can observe from
this argument that, for peace-keeping to succeed, three principles are strongly
considered: it should be based on the consent, on cooperation and should be
acceptable to all the concerned parties. Peacekeeping has also been defined as
a conflict control mechanism whose principal aims is to diffuse tension and
control international disputes or conflicts, or to stop conflict from escalation
out of proportion (James, 2016; Layne, 2016). It is only when such a stabilized
atmosphere is provided by peacekeepers that negotiation through
governmental, political and diplomatic machinery can now spring into action.
In a similar vein, Akindele (1988) also conceptualizes peacekeeping as

prevention, containment and termination of hostilities between or within states
through the medium of a third party intervention organized and directed
internationally using multilateral forces of soldier, police and civilian to
restore and maintain peace. He added that, the operational deployment of
soldiers, police or civilian is not to fight, but to prevent escalation of conflict
while negotiation, arbitration and mediation are in progress. While defining
peace-keeping, he does the same with regards to the United Nations. To
Akindele, the UN is the most sophisticated political technology mankind ever
built and developed to maintain international peace and security.

Therefore, from the positions of scholars above, we can derive that peace-
keeping, as a concept, refers to the totality of techniques or processes adopted
to (a) prevent the unfavorable development that may arise out of conflict
situation, (b) put in place modalities to cushion the destructive tendencies
inherent in conflict situations and (c) once a crisis has been determined, put in
place measure to halt the undesirable behavior and remove the sources of crisis
through identification, settlement, agreement or resolution of the conflict
(Mitchell, 1989: 256).
Series of efforts had been made in the past towards maintenance of world
peace. One of such was the agreement entered into by countries under the
collapsed League of Nations and the convergence of European Statesmen in
Vienna Austria. However, after the failure of the Treaty of Versailles and the
aftermath of World Wars I and II, statesmen have been preoccupied with
initiating peace settlement and effort at establishing enduring system in order
to avoid the reoccurrence of World War I and II, respectively (Onoja, 1996).
The establishment of the United Nations (UN) on 24th October, 1945 marked
the golden era for the pursuance of world peace and the turning point in the
style of crisis management (Weiss, 2016; Weiss, Forsythe, Coate, & Pease,
2017). The notion that was frequently featured on the agenda of the UN was
the encouragement and the employment by every means to resolve conflict
peacefully rather than allowing it degenerates into war. This role is beautifully
summed up in the preamble underlying the establishment of the Organization,
as follows:
We the people of the United Nations, determined to save succeeding

generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our life time has brought
untold sorrow to mankind, and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human right.
In the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal right of men and
women and nations large and small, and to establish conditions under which
justice and respect for the obligation arising from treaties and other sources of
international law can be maintained, and to promote social progress and better
standard of life in larger and for these ends to practice tolerance and live
together in peace with one another as good neighbours and to unite our
strength to maintain international peace and security (Palmer & Perkins, 1999:
370).
The Organization has undoubtedly remained committed to the pursuance of

this set goals and objectives. Meanwhile, we cannot totally rule out the
prevalence of conflicts amongst nation-states. This made countries like the
United States, Britain, France, Russia, Germany, Nigeria, among others, to
exercise their role and contribution towards global peace and stability.

Methodology
The study uses a systematic review of the literature related to peacekeeping,
peacemaking and stability with a particular focus on Nigeria. The study is
qualitative one that makes use of both primary and secondary sources of data.
The primary data source is the views of professionals through interview
granted to experts in the field of international studies. The literature of
Nigeria’s peacekeeping role sourced from books, journal articles and
Newspapers formed part of the secondary data source which the study
explores.
Moreover, the study makes use of realism theory to assess Nigeria’s

peacekeeping role in the continent and how the country has utilized political
and military power to ensure stability particularly in many West-African
countries. The realism theory developed in the 1930s, after the League of
Nations was unable to stop international conflict. It tries to explain the
behaviour of States in both peace and war condition. It has its basis in the
ideas of Thucydides (460BC-395 BC), Machiavelli (1469-1527), Hobbes
(1588-1679), Morgenthau (1891-1967), E. H. Carr (1892-1982) among others.
The ideas of these personalities shaped the modern international relations
theory of realism. The theory holds that, the relations between states are
guided by the struggle for power. Each state aims at preserving its sovereignty
and power or expanding and maintaining it within the international system.
Realism is summed-up by three basic values: statism, survival, and self-help.

Statism is the belief that the state is the most predominant actor in
international relations and that sovereignty symbolizes the existence of the
state. Realism emphasizes on the character of states as determinants of
international relations. Survival is the main priority of the state and the
policies and actions of leaders must be guided by this objective. Self-help is
the duty of the state. It is the principal reason for being i.e. to provide for its
people without morality, honor, and fear or favor (Dunne & Schmidt, 2010:
87). Realists argue that the international system is anarchic. There is no higher
authority to impose order and control over the behaviour of Nation-States.
This argument is taken a little further by neo-realists like Kenneth Waltz

(1924-2013) According to them, the international system consists of Nation-
States with different capabilities pursuing identical interests, and the relation
between the different states is determined by their less or greater capabilities
for performing similar tasks. The neo-realists continue to contend that the
nature of the international system changes with the changes in the distribution
of capabilities across the systems units and that a balance of power among
units of the system can be a guarantee to peace and reduce chances of war.

This is corroborated by Thucydides as cited in Jackson & Sorensen, 2017:71)
thus:
Political animals are highly unequal in their powers and capabilities to

dominate others and to defend themselves. All states large and small must
adapt to that natural given reality of unequal power and conduct themselves
accordingly. If the states do that, they will survive and perhaps even prosper. If
they fail to do that they will place themselves in jeopardy and may even be
destroyed.
Realism therefore emphasizes on the political and military power as the major
factor in international relations. As Thucydides clearly stated, nation-states
must gauge their political and military power in comparison to other nation
states and adjust its relationships in order to perform in the international arena.
Thus, the theory is relevant to the study on the basis that Nigeria had assisted
numerous countries to ensure stability and peace through its political and
military power. Ashaver (2014) submit that, it is perhaps an irrational idea if
Nigeria shows no concern to the happening around it, particularly among its
neighbouring countries (Niger, Cameroon, Chad and Benin). Similarly,
Wapmuk (2014) equally argued that, failure on the part of Nigeria to assist
other countries that are in crises, the more Nigeria exposes itself to danger
such as refugees’ problem, social vices, militancy and terrorism among others.
Historical Analysis of Nigeria’s Involvement in Peacekeeping

Nigeria like other countries in the international community acceded to the
principle and practice of global peace. The country has been involved
variously and vigorously in the pursuit of global peace and security thus
complementing the global effort towards peacekeeping and peace-building. In
addition, as the most populous African country, Nigeria has the capacity to use
its armed forces, diplomatic influence, natural resources, policies and
programs in peacemaking and peacekeeping operations. Hence, Nigeria has
successfully participated in peacekeeping operations involving the UN, AU
and ECOWAS (Galadima, 2007). In fact, the concerted efforts and dedicated
to duty demonstrated by Nigeria’s military personnel during the Congo,
Liberia and Sierra Leone crises had called for global acknowledgement, which
made Nigeria’s military personnel essential tool to be reckoned with in any
peacekeeping exercise (Saliu, 2006).
Nigerian defence establishment has historically considered its involvement in

international peacekeeping as a tremendous asset. This asset includes both in
terms of the experience it provides to its men, the logistical support acquired
and as a tremendous boost to the national image in international politics
(Sanda, 2005). The prospect for Nigerian military is becoming higher in the

involvement of international peacemaking and peacekeeping missions. This is
to symbolize the significant role play by Nigeria in regional and global
stability through its peacemaking and peacekeeping strategies (Onoja, 1996).
Nigeria has been supporting the UN, AU and ECOWAS in their efforts to
maintain of global peace and stability since the attainment of its independence
in 1960. Hence, the reason for this concerted effort by Nigeria could be
noticed from the promise made by the Nigerian first Prime Minister, Sir
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in his speech delivered shortly after Nigeria was
admitted into the United Nations in 1960 that; “It may be better to state briefly
the principle, which we have accepted as the basis for our policies in
international relations first, it is the desire of Nigeria to remain on friendly
teams with all nations and to participate actively in the work of the United
Nations” (Turton, 2011).
This shows that Nigeria is committed to global peace and stability. Nigeria is
not a total stranger to peacekeeping operations. Even before the country
became independent, it had been involved in conflict resolution activities in
concert with other nationalities, such as Wolseley and Ashanti’s campaign
(1873 - 1874) during which one hundred Hausas from Lagos Constabulary
were drafted to the Gold Coast (Ghana) to assist some twelve thousand British
troops (Dule, 1994). Consequently, under colonial rule, a sizeable number of
the country’s troops were engaged in the World Wars I and II respectively and
had performed impressively. However, since attaining political independence
in 1960, the focus of Nigeria’s peacekeeping has changed considerably to be
afro-centric in nature (Amao & Okeke-Uzodike, 2015). Therefore, Nigeria, as
the largest and most endowed country in the region, was inadvertently
bequeathed with enormous responsibilities of maintaining peace in the region.
The role Nigeria has been playing in conflict management within and outside
Africa must necessarily be situated historically and within the context of its
foreign policy objectives. According to Kuna (2005), Gambari (2008) and
Fayomi, Chidozie and Ajayi (2015), Nigeria dominant approach to conflict
management could be located in the notion of the four concentric circles of its
national interest. The core of these circles concern with Nigeria’s own security
predicated on the cultivation of good neighborly relations, especially with our
immediate neighbors: Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. This is in
recognition that Nigeria’s security is inextricably tied to the security of West
Africa, and it is for this reason that the second circle expands to include the
whole of West African region. Continental Africa then constitutes the third
circle, and just like in the previous circles, the major focus is the promotion of
peace, economic integration, development and the fight against all forms of
colonial domination. The fourth and final circle focuses on Nigeria’s relations
with bodies and countries outside of Africa. Hence, these four concentric

circles shaped the involvement of Nigeria in all peacekeeping operations in the
world, and African continent in particular.
Essentially, Nigeria’s peacekeeping initiative can best be mirrored through the

perspective of subscribing and supporting the UN quest for global peace and
security (Decalo, 1973; Herbst, 2014). While the second perspective looked at
the bold initiative and self-commitment by Nigeria as regional heavy weight
which also serves as the mechanism for African Union (AU) and the
ECOWAS (Saliu, 1998). Nigeria’s passion for peace and stability was
demonstrated shortly after Nigeria became independent, when the then Prime
Minister, Sir Abubarkar Tafawa Balewa subscribed to the ideals of the UN
when he said, “we (Nigeria) are committed to uphold the principle upon which
the UN is found” (Onoja, 1996: 11-12). One fact that is clear from this
statement is that Nigeria has pledged its total support towards the UN’s course.
Hence, it is not surprising that Nigeria in its earlier stage of its independence
sent contingent to Congo under the Umbrella of the UN.
The Article 52 of the UN Charter also explicitly bestows regional organization

with the authority to make arrangement for settlement of disputes (Onoja,
1996; Weiss, Forsythe, Coate, & Pease, 2017). Accordingly, Nigeria has
cashed in on this opportunity, drawing a lot of inspiration from the Article in
her engagement in peacekeeping operations at both regional and global levels.
Ironically, Nigeria’s peacekeeping initiative except otherwise proven can be
said to have its historical origin to the Congo crisis of 1961. In other words,
when Nigeria became independent, Africa is already replete with varying
degrees of conflict, partly because of the mission of colonialism, exploitation
and the low level of integration which engendered intra and inter ethnic
conflict. Therefore, lack of integration of diverse interests, manifested into
series of clashes in Africa (Saliu, 1998).
Moreso, after the novelty experience in the Congo, Nigeria has convincingly
proved to the world to be a dependable ally in the execution of global agenda
for peace and security. This effort got a tremendous boost in Chad between
1978 and 1979 when Nigeria felt uncomfortable with the presence of a foreign
power dominating in its neighborhood (Akindele, 1988). Also, since Nigeria
joined the UN in 1960 as an independent nation, the country has consistently
committed itself to the course of peacekeeping and peacemaking (Gambari,
1980). Nigeria has contributed with troops to over 80 global operations, where
more than 100,000 men of Nigerian Armed Forces keeping the peace outside
its borders. Nigeria troops have also served in Congo, Angola, Rwanda,
Somalia, Mozambique, Chad, Lebanon, India, Pakistan, Liberia, Sierra Leone,
Guinea Bissau, Cote d’lvoire and others. The key thing in global peacekeeping
is the men and women risking their lives in the interest of peace. Nigeria has
more of those people than any other country in the world (Agbambu, 2010).

Nigeria’s Positive Use of Military and its Involvement in Peacekeeping
Operations in West African Sub-region
In the history of the African continent, the military is known to keep peace and
protect the lives and properties of the citizens from external aggression
(Baynham, 1986). The military is also expected to appear in the political
terrain only if there are imbalances among the politicians. These imbalances,
according to Houngnikpo (2016), are embezzlement, corruption,
misappropriation of fund and ethnic crises. And having corrected such
abnormality among the politicians, the military should return back to their
professional duties. However, the military in Africa have chosen to remain in
power due to what Baynham (1986: 42) and Decalo (1992: 31) described as
“the forbidden fruits” tasted by them. This is one of the reasons for prolong
military rule in some countries in Africa.
Nigeria has tried in this capacity by using military to normalize peace, stability
and to promote democratization in the African continent. The military has
assisted in the peaceful transition from one civilian administration to another
in some African countries such as Benin, Niger, Mali, Mauritania and Guinea-
Bissau. Examples of the positive use of the military by Nigeria to restore a
democratic government in Africa, particularly in West African sub-region,
could be seen during the administration of former President Olusegun
Obasanjo. Nigerian government reinstated the former Sao Tome’s President,
Fradique de Menezes, whose government was toppled by the military in 2003
while attending Leon Sullivan Summit in Nigeria (Ozoemena, 2003).
In similar vein, Goodluck Jonathan’s administration also followed suit by

restoring stability and democracy back to Guinea Bissau in April, 2012.
Nigeria, as the regional hegemony, assured the UN at the 42nd Session of
ECOWAS Heads of State and Government that “Nigeria is committed to
resolving crises in Africa and will work with the UN and ECOWAS to restore
democracy to Guinea Bissau” (Panapress 2013: 1). In another development,
Nigeria effort towards stability and democratic consolidation in the continent,
through its positive utilization of the military, has been equally demonstrated
in Gambia in 2016. Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, was selected by
ECOWAS as Chief mediator to interact with Yahya Jammeh on the need for
peaceful transition of power in Gambia (Premium Times, 2016). The President
was reported to have insisted that, if the then incumbent government Yahya
Jammeh refused to hand over power to the elected president, Adama Barrow,
the ECOWAS would use force to intervene in Gambia. This military threat
canvassed for the decision of Yahya Jammeh to make avenue for negotiation
between him and the elected Gambian President Adama Barrow. This
invariably led to a wise decision taken by Yahya Jammeh to finally resolve to
step-down peacefully for the new government (Freeman, 2017; Said, 2017).

Nigerian government has been trying to re-orientate and make the military
more professional to the assigned tasks. Nigeria has contributed significantly
in bringing peace and stability back to some African countries through
mediations, sending troops and dialogues with parties involved in crisis. In
other word, these laudable efforts of Nigeria have been applauded worldwide,
most especially the manner in which Nigeria operated in Togo, Sao Tome,
Chad and Guinea Bissau where Nigerian government ordered the coupists to
vacate the political scene and return power to the displaced presidents or be
confronted with the military option (Saliu, 2006).
Nigeria has devoted more time towards finding lasting solutions to African
crises and this has rubbed on Nigeria’s image internationally (Saliu, 2006).
Even so, Nigeria under former President Olusegun Obasanjo had participated
in numerous peacekeeping operations in Africa, most importantly the ones in
Liberia and Sierra Leone. It is a known fact that the crises in both Liberia and
Sierra Leone had come and gone, but the role and burden suffered by Nigeria
through the ECOMOG in making the two countries a peaceful place to live
and the asylum granted to Charles Taylor in the name of returning peace to
Liberia cannot be over emphasized. The ECOMOG, as observed by Adebajo
(2008), cannot survive without the support of Nigeria. This shows that
whenever Nigeria pledges ECOMOG support, the country armies will
constitute larger percent of the troops to be deployed to the crises region.
Peace Enforcement in Liberia and Sierra Leone

The ECOMOG operations in the African continent particularly in the West
Africa sub-region have been successful so far (Wilkinson, 2000). They have
forced armed groups to accept negotiations that, in most cases, led to a cease-
fire. ECOMOG is normally asked to monitor and enforce the provisions of the
cease-fire. This is due to the fact that the factions that signed these cease-fire
agreements do not do so in good faith and if adequate measures are not taken,
it can result into violence. This likely occurrence of violence compels
ECOMOG to use force in order to get the recalcitrant parties to adhere to what
was agreed (Ajayi, 2003). Sometimes, such action will involve outright and
large-scale military operations against the most belligerent insurgent group or
groups. Hence, ECOMOG missions, at this stage, changed from intervention
to peace enforcement.
The peace enforcement operations of ECOMOG have always led to a

widening of the initial safe havens established for non-combatants. This
compels armed groups to realize that they cannot achieve their political
objectives by military action. It takes appreciable time for armed groups to
reach this conclusion. In the period that ECOMOG engaged in military action
to enforce peace and stability in Liberia and Sierra Leone, there were needs for

extensive logistic support and troop reinforcement for the exercise. The reason
was that the groups which being fought against were not conventional armies
and their strategy was to bring intolerable hardship on the civilian population
in order to make ECOMOG and the legal authority that supports it unpopular
(Dowyaro, 2000). The rebels usually do this by carrying out extensive ambush
operations on commercial vehicles in order to render the roads unsafe. They
also carry out extermination operations against undefended communities in
order to terrorize others into submission and collaboration.
In order to checkmate this strategy of terror, ECOMOG, under the influence of

Nigeria, had to deploy over wide areas. It is usually at this critical stage that
ECOMOG suffers operational reverses that Western powers exploit in order to
step in and force all the parties to negotiate. These negotiations are normally
under the auspices of ECOWAS and in all cases a general settlement is
reached. A consistent aspect of these general settlements includes
disarmament, the formation of an interim or transitional government, the
return of refugees, military reform and the staging of general elections.
ECOMOG is usually tasked to carry out the disarmament, ensure the security
of UN personnel and the interim or transitional government, as well as to assist
in the process of military reform and the conduct of general elections. At this
stage, ECOMOG missions changed from peace enforcement to peacekeeping
(Maxwell, 2000).
The Effect of ECOMOG in Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia and Sierra

Leone
The ECOMOG peacekeeping missions normally start off on a very difficult
footing. It takes considerable effort, time and diplomacy to persuade the
parties that fought ECOMOG that the force is neutral (Akabogu, 1992).
However, ECOMOG has successfully overcome these difficulties and can
rapidly transform itself from a fighting force to a peacekeeping force that
enjoys the confidence and respect of the very insurgent that were fighting.
Also, ECOMOG has successfully undertaken the disarmament of combatants
and returned both Liberia and Sierra Leone to states of law and order (Tom,
2016; Akabogu, 1992). The key to this success is because ECOMOG under
Nigeria’s influence has always enjoyed the trust and confidence of the civil
population.
In many instances, ECOMOG has intervened when general anarchy has set-in
and it has saved the civilian population from the savagery of gunmen
(Dowyaro, 2000). Thus, ECOMOG in this sense is perceived as a liberator by
the larger society. As it was rightly argued by Nigerian former Head of State,
President Ibrahim Babangida that: our attitude over the years with all these
countries has developed a consistent pattern and relentless effort to ensure and
encourage peaceful co-existence. Above all, we believe that crises or conflicts

in (Africa) would inevitably have adverse spillover effects on the peace and
tranquility of our own country (Terry, 1998: 106).
This same argument has been supported by the ECOMOG’s Chief of Staff in
Sierra Leone, General Mohammed who stated that as cited in Adebajo, (2008:
193) “we had to put out the fire in order to stop it from extending to our own
houses. The assessment of ECOWAS peacekeeping initiatives by external
observers has been different reaction, but there is increasing consensus that the
organization has tried its best amidst formidable odds. Most external observers
have identified a number of rough edges in the ECOMOG operations but some
also do appreciate that the odds against the organization were enormous and
that it should receive greater encouragement to improve its activities and meet
the challenges of sub-regional conflicts (Adebajo, 2002). The engagement by
external bilateral and multilateral actors is in sharp contrast to the 1990s when
external actors tended to be more dismissive of ECOMOG achievements and
saw its troops only as ill-disciplined and corrupt (Ero, 2000). The US for
example, was very critical of the ECOMOG operations led largely by Nigeria
during the regimes of Babangida and Abacha but this changed with the latter
operations in Liberia in particular, with positive reports about the performance
of ECOMOG, particularly the Nigerian troops, who were thought to have
performed more professionally than in other missions (Adebajo, 2002). This
was attributed largely to the training provided by the US to Nigerian Battalions
prior to the operations.
Hence, Nigeria, as the driven force behind ECOMOG, will never relent in her
efforts to cease-fire in the entire African continent due to the belief that an
attack on any African countries, particularly the neighboring ones, is an attack
on Nigeria. The exercise of peace and stability in the African continent by
Nigeria has cultivated the habit of positive use of military in the country.
Nigeria, through its various means of settling crises in Africa such as peace-
building, peacemaking and peacekeeping, have earned the prestige of a
regional power in the continent. This has made the African States to always
look up to Nigeria for meaningful development, especially in the area of
continental peace and stability.
Benefits of Peacekeeping to Nigeria

Nigeria’s peacekeeping efforts in the West African sub-region and Africa at
large have yielded significant benefits to the country (Bello, Dutse & Othman,
2017). This is contrary to the views of some antagonists on the need for
Nigeria to cut short or reduce the rate at which the country invests in the
maintenance of peace and stability in Africa (Ota & Ecoma, 2015; Dauda &
Ameen, 2017). The group as argued by Ota and Ecoma (2015) believed that
the resources which Nigeria spent on the maintenance of peace in Africa could
have been utilized to improve the level of infrastructure in the country which

would in turn promote the living standard of people in the country.
Nevertheless, the protagonists group equally comes up with their views on the
need for Nigeria to maximize in its stability function in Africa (Folarin, 2016;
Oni & Taiwo, 2016). The group emphasizes that not every reward comes in a
tangible form, there are some intangible rewards coming to Nigeria as a result
of its peacekeeping role in the African continent.
Therefore, the following could be classified as some of the peacekeeping

benefits through Nigeria’s stability role in Africa:
i. Citizens Diplomacy,
ii. Security Benefit,
iii. Unity and Cooperation,
iv. International Recognition, and
v. Sovereignty Protection.
Hence, Figure 1.1. below indicates the benefits of peacekeeping to
Nigeria.
Figure 1.1: The Benefits of Peacekeeping to Nigeria
Source: In-depth Interview
i. Security Benefit
Security benefit is one of the advantages of Nigeria’s involvement in the
maintenance of stability in Africa through peacekeeping exercise. According
to the “notion of four concentric circles” of Nigerian foreign policy principles
described by Gambari (1989: 2 & 2017: 12) as interests at the domestic,
regional and external levels, Nigeria needs to be security alert in what is
happening within and among the neighbouring countries that surrounds it
(Innocent & Onyishi, 2014; Badiora, 2015). The reason for this is that,
whenever there is crisis in any of the neighbouring States (Benin, Chad, Niger
and Cameroon) to Nigeria, the country cannot fold its hands and feel
unconcern because of the likely repercussion to it.

The arguments above is supported by informant NIIA1 that there is security
benefit to Nigeria for its peacekeeping role in Africa. The informant argues
that “wherever, the need for security in Africa falls within the concentric
circles, Nigeria’s national interest is realized. Wherever there is peace and
security, it is in Nigeria’s interest to give its supports”. Similarly, another
informant added that:
A proverb says that if a neighbour’s house is on fire and one does not assist to
keep off the fire, as time goes on, the fire would spread to one’s home. So,
there are benefits that Nigeria ultimately derived by helping to secure other
countries particularly in the West Africa region, the neighbouring countries.
Doing this Nigeria is enhancing its security capabilities (Informant ABU2, In-
depth Interview, September 16, 2017).
In fact, the issue of Boko Haram in Nigeria has been described by informant
Unilorin as “a clear manifestation of the regional bionomics or problems with
the spillover effects from Mali or the aggravated sect cause of the collapsed of
Ghaddafi’s regime in Libya”. The argument implies that Nigeria is deriving
security benefit from its stability and peacekeeping role in the African
continent. Ojakorotu and Adeleke (2018: 37) also attested to the fact that the
passion Nigeria has for African stability has made it “contributed the highest
troops and fund in defraying the cost of ECOMOG deployment to Liberia,
Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali among others”. Doing this
by Nigeria to assist in ensuring stability in other African countries will prevent
the spread of the crisis to Nigeria. In the same vein, another Informant
observed that:
Nigeria has assisted other countries with no reward. In which they are
expecting tangible or visible thing in terms of reward. The benefit for
maintaining peace, security and stability in Africa is a long term to Nigeria and
this has assisted the country. This is because, if there is crisis in neighbouring
countries and Nigeria failed to show concern, a part from the fact that those
countries may not come to Nigeria’s aid during its need, the repercussion of
the crisis such as refugees, social vices among others, would have a great
influence on the country if it fails to act on time (Informant MFA1, In-depth
Interview, September 8, 2017).
The above position was subscribed by Badiora (2015) when he pointed out
that Nigeria can enjoy its peaceful atmosphere, only if there is peace in other
neighbouring countries. Similarly, the emphasis on the role in ensuring
stability in Africa was equally stressed by an informant that:
Stability and peace are the foundation of progress, prosperity and

development. Without a stable and peaceful continent, the aspiration of having

a prosperous, progressive and developed Africa that is free from poverty and
disease will remain a mirage. So, the benefit of peace and stability can never
be overemphasized for Nigeria and for all other countries. Without peace and
stability, you can hardly achieve any meaningful goal or objective (Informant
Unilorin, In-depth Interview, August 28, 2017).
Hence, stability is essential to every region in order to enhance meaningful

development. Similarly, the role Nigeria has been playing in ensuring stability
in Africa according to Jordaan (2017) has been making the country security
stronger among other African countries.
Figure 1.2: Security Benefit as Reward of Peacekeeping to Nigeria
Source: In-depth Interview 2017
ii. Sovereignty Protection

The need for Nigeria to protect its sovereignty is another gain derived by the
country in its stability effort through peacekeeping in Africa. Sovereignty as
one of the unique features of state, protection of such feature is essential for
the survival of a state (Goldenziel, 2017; Englehart, 2017). According to
Innocent and Onyishi (2014), the level at which a country’s sovereignty is
protected, determines how secure is its territorial boundary. This is one of the
reasons why Nigeria is frequently involved in stability efforts in African
countries. This has been argued by informant BUK that “Nigeria is protecting
its sovereignty by maintaining peace in Africa”.
The role played by Nigeria in crisis spots like Sierra Leone, Liberia,
Guinea Bissau, Sudan among others was described by Kabia (2016) as a
measure to prevent the escalation of crises from those countries to Nigeria. For
instance, as part of Nigeria’s recognition of the significance of sovereignty to
the country, it played an active role to bring lasting solution to Chad Civil
Wars both in 1965-1979, 2005-2010 (Akinterinwa, 1987; Adetula, 2015).
Nigeria realized that if it refuses to assist in ensuring peace in that country, the
effect of such crisis like refugees, smuggling of arms and ammunitions,

militants and the likes, may be inherited by Nigeria. This is equally the
position of Informants UniJos and NIIA1 that, if Nigeria fails to address the
problem confronting its neigbhours, the repercussion of the crisis will be borne
by it.
Figure 1.3: Sovereignty Protection as Benefit of Peacekeeping to Nigeria
iii. International Recognition

Nigeria enjoys recognition both nationally and internationally for its frequent
role in ensuring stability in Africa. The peacekeeping exercise by Nigeria has
promoted the image of the country internationally (Ashiru, 2014; Fayomi,
Chidozie & Ajayi, 2015). This has made Nigeria to be reckoned with, when it
comes to peacekeeping operation in Africa because the country’s military have
performed creditably and successfully in most of the peacekeeping exercises
participated by the country (Dauda, Ahmad & Keling, 2017).
According to informants NIIA1 and BUK, Nigeria’s peacekeeping exercise

has increase the country’s trust and confidence repose in it by the international
community. The position is buttressed by another Informant who argued that:
Nigeria’s International recognition and clout not only in Africa, but among the
committee of nations at the United Nations, the European Union, and others,
make those organizations to respect Nigeria and reckoned with it particularly
when it comes to peacekeeping exercises. This has made other African Nations
to also respect Nigeria (Informant ABU1, In-depth Interview, September 11,
2017).
Similarly, having international recognition by Nigeria will assist the country to

influence more during the decision making at the global level (Oni & Taiwo,
2016). This argument is buttressed by an Informant that:

The external projection of Nigeria is a tool to influence decision at the global
level in favour of itself and Africa at large. This has accorded recognition to
Nigeria and made it a place to reckon with when to address the instability in
West Africa and in Africa at large. Nigeria has the intention, the Will, the
capacity and the wherewithal to provide peace and stability (Informant ABU2,
In-depth Interview, September 16, 2017).
Therefore, Nigeria’s effort in ensuring stability in Africa has indirectly

accorded respect and recognition to the country which is one of the tools to
influence decision at the global level.
Figure 1.4: International Recognition as Benefit of Peacekeeping to Nigeria
iv. Unity and Cooperation

Nigeria’s effort towards ensuring stability in Africa has promoted unity and
cooperation among the African countries. This has been argued by Oni and
Taiwo (2016) that the attitude of Nigeria through peacekeeping exercise has
fostered unity and cooperation among African continent. This has made Africa
as a continent to feel the spirit of brotherhood and sense of togetherness when
dealing with one another in the continent. According to Guzansky (2015),
cooperation cannot be guaranteed where there is no peace and stability.
Arguably, the Nigeria’s peacekeeping effort in Africa would either directly or
indirectly promote the cooperation and unity among African countries. For
instance, the role played by Nigeria through ECOMOG in ensuring peace and
stability in countries like Liberia (1990-1993, 1999-2003), Sierra Leone
(1991-2002), Cote d’Ivoire (2003), Sao Tome and Principe (2003), Darfur
(2004), Gambia (2016/2017) among others, is capable of promoting
cooperation between the host country and the countries that contribute troops
for the mission. When there is cooperation among the African countries, unity
perhaps would be easily attained in Africa.

Similarly, Informant BUK has asserted that “Nigeria is protecting its
sovereignty by maintaining peace in Africa…..such has promoted unity in the
continent”. Also, corroborating the view are informants MFA3, MFA2, NIIA1,
NIIA2 and Unilorin that, Nigeria’s role in Africa, particularly peacekeeping
exercises have improved the cordial relationship among the African countries.
Therefore, the benefit of Nigeria’s peacekeeping role in Africa which has
created enabling environment in Africa is being enjoyed by its citizens
especially those that are residing in other countries.
Figure 1.5: Fostering Unity and Cooperation as Benefit of Peacekeeping to

Nigeria
v. Citizen Diplomacy
Another benefit accrued to Nigeria for its stability function in Africa through
peacekeeping exercise is citizen diplomacy. One of the determinant factors on
how national of a country is being treated outside, is the recognition accorded
to the country by the international community (Melissen, 1999; La-Porte,
2015; Usman & Obiyan, 2017). Therefore, the positive impact that Nigeria has
made toward ensuring stability in several African countries will be enjoyed by
its citizens wherever they are residing.
Nigeria as the most populous country in Africa with over 140 million
(Adebowale, Fagbamigbe, & Bamigboye, 2014), arguably the belief that one
in every black found in any part of the world is a Nigerian (Emelumadu, 2010;
Ujara & Ibietan, 2016). Nigerians in diasporas are using this advantage mostly
those who are residing in countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau

and others where Nigeria has assisted in one way or the other to ensure
stability (Akinwunmi-Othman, 2017).
Furthermore, it is the responsibility of a country to safeguard the interests of

citizens irrespective of where they are residing (Joseph, 2014). That is
arguably part of the reasons why Nigeria is projecting its image positively in
order for its citizens to be accorded well both within and outside the country.
The view is buttressed by Informant ABU2 that “the aim of Nigerian foreign
policy is to ensure the welfare and security of Nigerians and safeguarding the
country’s territorial integrity but also having status in the world”. Similarly,
informants BUK and UniAbuja supported the argument that the positive
treatment received by Nigerians outside the country was as a result of the
country peacekeeping and stability role in Africa.
Figure 1.6: Fostering Unity and Cooperation as Benefit of Peacekeeping to

Nigeria
Conclusion
The role of Nigeria in making the African continent a safe place for all
inhabitants to live is highly remarkable. Nigeria has contributed meaningfully
to the stability of Africa through its involvement in peacekeeping operations
where it has assisted numerous African countries to ensure peace and stability.
Nigeria cannot pretend to be indifference to the crisis happening in any parts
of Africa particularly in the West Africa, because if it does the likely aftermath
of that crisis such as refugees, militancy among others, will be on the country.
Similarly, weighing the likely cost that may be incurred on the effect of the
crisis from other countries within Africa spread to Nigeria, it will be rational
for Nigeria to promptly intervene in the challenges face by any of the African
countries before the matter get-out of hand. In assisting other African countries

to address their challenges by Nigeria, the country is equally assisting itself in
providing maximum security and sovereignty protection of its territory. More
so, the peacekeeping involvement of Nigeria in Africa has rendered the
country useful and important to reckon with particularly in the area of peace
and stability in Africa, in which it promotes the level of cooperation between
the country and other African countries that have benefited in one form or the
other from Nigeria’s stability effort. This in turn promotes unity in the African
continent and at the same time improves the image of Nigeria nationally and
internationally. At this juncture,the paper recommends that Nigeria should
maximize its contribution toward ensuring peace and stability in the African
continent due to the likely repercussion that may occur, which mostly greater
than its benefits if adequate measure is not taken to resolve crisis on time.
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An Assessement of the Benefits of Nigeria’s Peacekeeping Role in

Ensuring Peace and Stability in West Africa

Mohammad Zaki Bin AHMAD

Mohammad Faisol KELING

Mustapha Alhaji ALI

Keywords: Peacekeeping, Stability, West-Africa, Benefit, Nigeria.

Although conflict is an inevitable phenomenon among people, but there exists

Some scholars argue that colonization in African continent contributed to the

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Admittedly, a peacekeeping mission does not enjoy constitutional

In the view of Onoja (1996:5), “peacekeeping is an operation involving the use

In a similar vein, Akindele (1988) also conceptualizes peacekeeping as

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We the people of the United Nations, determined to save succeeding

The Organization has undoubtedly remained committed to the pursuance of

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Moreover, the study makes use of realism theory to assess Nigeria’s

Realism is summed-up by three basic values: statism, survival, and self-help.

This argument is taken a little further by neo-realists like Kenneth Waltz

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Political animals are highly unequal in their powers and capabilities to

Historical Analysis of Nigeria’s Involvement in Peacekeeping

Nigerian defence establishment has historically considered its involvement in

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Essentially, Nigeria’s peacekeeping initiative can best be mirrored through the

The Article 52 of the UN Charter also explicitly bestows regional organization

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In similar vein, Goodluck Jonathan’s administration also followed suit by

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Peace Enforcement in Liberia and Sierra Leone

The peace enforcement operations of ECOMOG have always led to a

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In order to checkmate this strategy of terror, ECOMOG, under the influence of

The Effect of ECOMOG in Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia and Sierra

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Benefits of Peacekeeping to Nigeria

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Therefore, the following could be classified as some of the peacekeeping

Source: In-depth Interview

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Stability and peace are the foundation of progress, prosperity and

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Hence, stability is essential to every region in order to enhance meaningful

ii. Sovereignty Protection

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Figure 1.3: Sovereignty Protection as Benefit of Peacekeeping to Nigeria

Source: In-depth Interview 2017

iii. International Recognition

According to informants NIIA1 and BUK, Nigeria’s peacekeeping exercise

Similarly, having international recognition by Nigeria will assist the country to

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Therefore, Nigeria’s effort in ensuring stability in Africa has indirectly

Figure 1.4: International Recognition as Benefit of Peacekeeping to Nigeria

Source: In-depth Interview 2017

iv. Unity and Cooperation

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Figure 1.5: Fostering Unity and Cooperation as Benefit of Peacekeeping to

Source: In-depth Interview 2017

Jigawa Journal of Politics 131 Vol. 1, No. 2, December, 2018

Furthermore, it is the responsibility of a country to safeguard the interests of

Figure 1.6: Fostering Unity and Cooperation as Benefit of Peacekeeping to

Source: In-depth Interview 2017