Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Weekly Subject Experts’ Presentation was held at Hall C, TY Buratai Block, Abuja. There were two presentations made by the Subject Experts on West Africa and Gulf of Guinea and Subject Experts on Central America.
The first presentation by Maj Gen OO Adeleke (Rtd) subject expert on West Africa and Gulf of Guinea, focused on the New York watchdog accuses Burkina Faso of War Crimes through drone strikes, citing Civilian casualties, “On 25 Jan 2024 Human Rights Watch reported that three drone strikes last year by the government of Burkina Faso killed scores of civilians”. The attacks, targeting Islamist militants in crowded marketplaces and at a funeral, left at least 60 civilians dead and dozens more injured.
In his analysis and lesson for Nigeria, Gen OO Adeleke (Rtd) pointed out that the drone technology represents a monumental lift in modern warfare and Nigerian military has rightly imbibed this technology in its fight against insurgency. Unfortunately, its successes in the employment of the drones have left a bitter taste in the mouth of the civil population, hence there is a need to review its employment and procurement strategy in order to fully benefit from the value added by this equipment.
He recommended that the National Security Adviser, should articulate an appropriate strategy for the use of drones by the military. The Ministry of Defence should review its procurement strategy in favour of efficient, operationally more viable drones in future purchases.
Meanwhile, second presentation by Brig Gen ED Idimah Subject Experts on Central America, Centered on the repressive and threatening behavior of the Nicaraguan government; the unjust imprisonment of religious Leaders, the crackdown on religious freedom, the expulsion of NGOs and civil society groups, the closure of universities, and the politicization of security forces. Quoting the “24 January 2024, Eric Farnsworth, publication on opinion piece in Miami Herald highlighting the repressive and threatening behavior of the Nicaraguan government”.
In his analysis and lesson for Nigeria, Brig General Idimah noted that, the repressive and threatening behavior of the Nicaraguan government serves as a warning for Nigeria to prioritize the protection of human rights, the rule of law, and democratic principles and also upholding the independence of the judiciary, safeguarding religious liberties, and supporting a vibrant civil society sector are essential for promoting social cohesion and preventing conflicts based on differences and also Transparency, accountability, and sovereignty in foreign relations and electoral processes are also vital for protecting national interests and ensuring the democratic will of the citizens.
He recommended that FGN should continue to prioritize the protection of the rule of law and ensure the independence of the judiciary as well as protecting the rights of citizens to practice their religion without fear of persecution or discrimination. This includes combating religious extremism, and ensuring equal treatment for all religious groups and also recognize the value of a vibrant civil society sector by encouraging their active participation in advocating for human rights, promoting social justice, and providing essential services to communities and prioritize the autonomy and freedom of universities to ensure the growth and progress of its education system.
