UNGA79: Defence Minister Seeks International Support To Clamp Down On Arms Proliferation In Sahel Region

Nigeria is seeking the support of the international communities to stem the tide of small arms and light weapons proliferation within the Sahel region.

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, made this call while speaking at the Summit of the Future during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA.

The minister’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, disclosed details of his remarks in a statement.

Addressing emerging security threats, Badaru highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to prevent and address emerging security threats by stopping illegal financial flows which will help in preventing kidnapping, and banditry and stemming illicit arms and light weapons flow.

“We urge the international community to renew efforts to address these security challenges,” Badaru said.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Enhancing Multilateralism For International Peace and Security’, he called on the United Nations Security Council to give just representation to Africa permanently at the UN Security Council.

The minister noted that such allocation, if successful, will contribute to conscientious global peace, inclusivity, security, deepening global peace and building trust.

Speaking particularly on the role of Nigeria in shaping global peace, he noted that Nigeria has contributed to International Security in terms of troops, finance, and logistics.

The minister added that Nigeria has also contributed civilian experts to various African countries, including Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire.

The ongoing UNGA is expected to place Africa at the centre of the global conversation, with African leadership playing a pivotal role in shaping the agenda, offering a key opportunity for African voices to be heard and global action to be taken.

According to a report by the Centre for Strategic Studies released in September, the number of Africans forcibly displaced by conflict and repressive regimes has risen for the 13th year in a row — to over 45 million people.

It said, “Comprising internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and asylum seekers, this figure represents a 14-percent increase from the previous year.

“With three per cent of its total population forcibly displaced, Africa has both a larger share and absolute number of forcibly displaced people than any other major region in the world.”