Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Weekly Subject Experts’ Presentation was held at Hall B, TY Buratai Block, Abuja. There were two presentations made by the Subject Experts on Eastern Europe and East and Central Africa.
The first presentation was made by Brig Gen Ak Egwuagu (Rtd) subject experts on Eastern Europe. His presentation discussed on hwo US Switches Stance on Ukraine War. US President Donald Trump on 12 Feb 2025, announced that he was beginning direct talks with Russia to end the Ukraine War, overturning his predecessor’s promise that there would be “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine” (Aljazeera, 20 Feb 2025). Ukraine’s diplomatic situation was dampened in the past week, as its main ally, the US reversed its positions and shifted from supporting Ukraine to criticizing her, with Trump calling President Zelenskyy, a ‘dictator’ (The Guardian, 22 Feb 2025).
The US also reversed its stance on who was responsible for the war, as Trump blamed Ukraine for the full-scale Russian invasion instead of pressurizing Russia to end the war, and was pushing for Ukraine to sign a deal giving US half of Ukraine’s most valuable minerals (Meta AI). Trump’s approach has led to concerns that the US is now more aligned to Russia, with his body language echoing Russia’s description of Ukraine and a significant implication for global world order, which may mark the end of the world order dominated by the US since World War II (Aljazeera, 20 Feb 2025).
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen Ak Egwuagu (Rtd) noted that, Nigeria needs to learn from Africa’s relationship with the colonial masters and to ensure it engages thoroughly in strategic and critical thinking towards reviewing her foreign policies to safeguard the future of generations yet unborn. She also needs to learn from Ukraine’s experience from the war with Russia and be extremely cautious in entering into agreements with superpowers to avoid such misfortune and unfortunate consequences. During the colonial era, Nigeria experienced an exploitative relationship as the British extracted her natural resources, including oil, minerals and agricultural products; imposing their economic, political and social systems including language, education, cultural values and supressing indigenous cultures and traditions since 1914. After her independence in 1960, Nigeria’s relationship with the Western powers, particularly UK and US, continued to be influenced by neo-colonialism in which the developed nations maintained significant economic and political authority over Nigeria. It is sad that Nigeria’s economy has continued to remain heavily depended on foreign aid, investment and trade, while limiting the country’s ability to develop its own industries and economic systems. Also, Western powers have often interfered in Nigeria’s political affairs, supporting certain governments or factions while undermining others and their exploitation of crude oil has continued unabated with multinational corporations prioritizing their own interests over the country’s economic and environmental well-being.
He recommended that, The FGN should order for a review of Nigeria’s foreign policy with the colonial masters and superpowers, prioritizing ‘Nigeria First’ concern in the interest of future generations.
The second presentation was made by Brig Gen ED Idimah subject experts on East and Central Africa. His presentation Centered on how, US Aid Pause Hits DR Congo Humanitarian Work. On Thursday, 13 February 2024, BBC reported that the recent pause in U.S. foreign aid has significantly impacted humanitarian efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), which is already facing a severe crisis due to ongoing conflicts. With approximately 700,000 individuals displaced due to fighting, the United Nations has expressed concern about the halt in aid, as the U.S. accounted for 70% of the country’s humanitarian assistance last year. UN official Bruno Lemarquis highlighted the dire situation in Goma, where overwhelmed hospitals are treating casualties from the conflict, and there is an increased risk of epidemics like cholera and mpox.
The suspension of U.S. funding is hindering essential programs, including emergency health and shelter services, exacerbating the challenges faced by the vulnerable local population. This aid pause comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s first-day decision to freeze all international assistance, which has had a ripple effect on various humanitarian programs globally, including health services for those affected by HIV in multiple countries and critical services in Syria and Afghanistan. The implications of these funding cuts are severe, with potential increases in mortality rates and further deterioration of living conditions for those reliant on such aid.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen ED Idimah noted that, In Nigeria, the US has historically provided substantial aid, making it one of the largest recipients of US foreign assistance in Africa. In 2016, the US provided approximately $600 million in foreign aid to Nigeria, targeting critical issues such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and counter-terrorism efforts against Boko Haram (US Agency for International Development, 2016). The order to halt USAID funding to organizations outside the US sent shockwaves through Nigerian development circles. Several local organizations that relied entirely on this funding were forced to dismiss staff, cancel program activities, and abandon life-saving interventions, raising fears of a humanitarian and development crisis. According to Vanguard Newspapers on February 7, 2025, this order has sparked concerns about job losses due to setbacks faced by non-governmental organizations operating in Nigeria.
Beyond humanitarian concerns, the cessation of funding has shifted the geopolitical landscape. Countries that once aligned with US interests have begun seeking partnerships with alternative powers, notably China and Russia, which will be more willing to provide aid without the political strings typically associated with American assistance (Adams, 2025). This shift will not only undermine US influence but also raises concerns about the promotion of democratic values, as authoritarian regimes have sought to benefit from the vacuum left by USAID’s withdrawal.
He recommended that, the FGN should align its national development strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals to attract a broader range of international support and foster a more sustainable approach to development, making it less vulnerable to political fluctuations in donor countries.
