Today’s edition of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Weekly Subject Experts’ Presentation was held at Hall C, TY Buratai Block, NARC, Abuja. There were two presentations made by the Subject Experts covering the Middle East and South America & Caribbean.
The first presentation was delivered by Maj Gen JG Muhammaed, a subject Expert for the Middle East. His presentation discussed the compromised nature of Humanitarian Aid for Palestinian Refugees, with a focus on United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees(UNRWA). He described UNRWA’s operations in Palestine as political which is determined by the international narrative on Palestine as against the claim of the agency’s neutrality.
While acknowledging the INGOs as necessary components of the humanitarian paradigm in contemporary conflict, he also noted the hypocrisy of other International Aid organisations masquerading as life savers. He, however, called on the host countries to take drastic measures to curtail their nefarious activities. The senior officer also made an analysis and brought out lessons for Nigeria. Gen Mohammed finally recommended that strong laws should be made by NASS that will allow proper scrutiny of the activities of INGOs in Nigeria.
The second presentation was made by Brig Gen M Ibrahim, Subject Expert for South America and the Caribbean. His presentation discussed the Canadian deployment of military Aircraft over Haiti to assist the Police force with Gangs. He explained the reasons for Canadian military intervention in one of the statements made by Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae.
On the analysis of the crisis and lessons for Nigeria, Gen Ibrahim suggested that Nigeria should seek more foreign assistance in the area that will ensure the security of the lives and properties of the citizens. He said that the current structure of the NPF is not closer to the people, hence state police are inevitable. The senior officer also discussed its implications for defence and national security and brought out progress achieved so far. He finally proffered ways forward and make recommendations.
Present at the briefing were the Director Research and other management staff, Senior Research Fellows and Research Fellows, Consultants, senior officers, and other staff of the Centre.
