By Victor Akaa, Abuja.
The Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General to West Africa and the Sahel, Amb. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, has called on the critical stakeholders to work out a strong ,effective and robust regional collaboration that will better address all forms of criminality and other security challenges threatening the existence of the region.
Ibn Chambas made this known in a graduation lecture of course 3/2019 organised by the Nigerian Army war college in Abuja
Chambas while speaking on the theme, “Emerging Non-Traditional Threats in the Sahel and Implications for National Security”,blamed the murder of Muhammar Gaddafi as the cause of instability ,high level of lawlessness, and the influx of light and dangerous weapons which has adversely affecting the Saharan region.
The former ECOWAS boss further explained that the large flow of weapons from looted Libyan military stockpiles that made their ways into the neighbouring countries have generated the persistent political oppositions, separatist movements, transnational militant groups, as well as human trafficking, among others.
The career diplomat also lauded the efforts of the Nigerian Army college for having products that are being in the forefront in several peacekeeping missions in Africa, as well as other part of the world.
He therefore commended the monumental and track record of achievements recorded and the visionary leadership role by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen .Tukur Buratai saying both the positive efforts of the COAS and the War College are the driving force global peace and security.
Let. 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, the Commandant of the College Maj. Gen. Charles Ofoche, said the lecture was one of the major event outlined for the graduation ceremony, urged the graduands to pay more attention as the knowledge gained will further enhanced their capacity and effective performance in addressing the emergence of security challenges.
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 create a conducive atmosphere for emerging security threats to thrive in the region.
The delegation was in Nigeria on assessment tour to visit the Boko haram ravaged areas.
Our correspondent reports that, the delegation before now was in other countries with the Sahel region.
