Global leaders have been called to co-operate with United Nations Peacekeeping Force to ensure the enforcement of peace deals to prevent further destruction of lives and property.
This was the assertion of stakeholders as the globe marks International Day for UN Peacekeepers today.
A Peace and Conflict Resolution expert, Mr. Andrew Ajayi who described the concept of UN Peacekeeping as the conscious and deliberate efforts by the UN to quell violent conflict that can engulf the entire world if left untackled, regretted that some nations shunned the peace pact signed with UN which warranted the organisation to deploy resources to bring conflict under control.
“It is taken for granted that countries in the world as long as they have people living in them, there would be conflict it could be conflict of interest either political or ethnic, once it comes out such that life and property, destruction are involved, arms are taken, then United Nations would step in”, he stated.
A veteran of UN Peacekeeping, Mr. Emeka Igwesi recalled the issues he encountered, while on a peacekeeping mission, which included misinformation and operating in hostile environment urging the relevant authorities to do the needful to encourage peacekeeping process.
“They should be improved logistics and renumeration of troops in peacekeeping. Let there be adequate briefing of troops on what they are to face, this would build readiness in the minds of the troops. They should be availability of better protective equipment for peacekeepers coupled with improved training on counter terrorism”, he noted.
The State Commandant Peace Corp of Nigeria, Rivers State Command, Michael Obiora emphasised that the veterans should be honoured at local, national and international levels to give them a sense of belonging.
“We can publicly recognize them by holding parade, memorial services, and awarding national medals for returning peacekeepers. We could also provide welfare and healthcare for peacekeepers and their families. Streets and monuments should be named after fallen peacekeepers”, he said.
According to UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres to achieve this year’s observance theme, ‘Invest in Peace’ there must be strong commitment of political will and steady financing to attain the objectives of the mission.
By; Emmanuel Njoku, Port Harcourt.
