UN envoy advocates regional collaboration for security threats in Sahel

The Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General to West Africa and the Sahel, Mohammed Ibn Chambas, has emphasized the need for regional partnership and a robust continental collaboration among key stakeholders to address emerging security threats bedevilling the Sahel region and Africa in extension.

He made the appeal during a graduation lecture organized by the Nigerian Army War College for participants of the College’s Course 3/2019, in Abuja.

Chambas, who spoke on “Emerging Non-Traditional Threats in the Sahel and Implications for National Security,” said the killing of Libya’s Muhammar Gaddafi and the subsequent breakdown of law and order in the North African country, have been the major contributors to the instability plaguing the larger part of the Sahara region.

The respected diplomat, added that the flow of weapons from looted Libyan military stockpiles into the surrounding countries have galvanized existing political oppositions, separatist movements, transnational militant groups, and human trafficking, among others security challenges.

He lauded the College for producing the leadership of several peacekeeping missions in Africa, saying the real impact of the College is visible in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

While saluting the visionary leadership of  Lieutenant General Tukur  Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff, Ibn Chambas, described the giant strides of the Army chief and the War College as a positive force multiplier in the search for global peace and security.

Gen. Buratai, while felicitating with the course participants on their graduation, also underscored the need for effective synergy among nations of the Lake Chad and Sahel region, in order to address the lingering crisis of insecurity and violent militia groups.

In his welcome address, Major General Charles Ofoche, the Commandant of the College, disclosed that the lecture is a major event of the College and a key activity of the graduation ceremony, saying the knowledge gained during the course is geared towards enhancing the capacity of the officers to function effectively to address emerging security threats.

He explained that the topic was carefully selected in view of the myriads of factors that have exacerbated the vulnerabilities of the Sahel, and also created a conducive atmosphere for emerging security threats to thrive in the region.