Nigeria has assumed the chairmanship of the United Nations (UN) Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, known as the Committee of 34 (C-34).
Gatekeepers News reports that Jimoh Ibrahim, Nigeria’s permanent representative to the UN, took over as chairperson from David Lametti, Canada’s ambassador to the UN.
Speaking after assuming the position, Ibrahim said Nigeria would work to close the gap between peacekeeping policies developed at the UN headquarters and the realities confronting peacekeepers and civilians in conflict-affected areas.
“We just took over the UN peacekeeping committee from Canada. Nigeria is fully back. We must ensure that the gap between policy and practice is closed,” he said.
The Nigerian envoy said the new responsibility would provide the country with an opportunity to contribute further to the strengthening of multilateral cooperation and the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping operations.
“This leadership gives us another opportunity to contribute meaningfully to strengthening multilateralism, improving peacekeeping and ensuring that the United Nations delivers practical results.”
Ibrahim identified the disconnect between policy decisions and their implementation in conflict zones as one of the major issues Nigeria would seek to address during its tenure.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring that counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations remain focused on restoring stability while safeguarding civilians.
According to him, Nigeria’s leadership will be guided by effective peacekeeping, civilian protection, field-informed policymaking, financial responsibility, respect for the UN Charter and greater accountability among countries and institutions involved in peacekeeping.
Ibrahim’s appointment places Nigeria in charge of two important UN committees. He also chairs the General Assembly’s Fifth Committee, which oversees the organisation’s administrative and budgetary matters.
Nigeria has maintained a longstanding role in the UN’s peacekeeping efforts, having frequently chaired the C-34, which brings together UN member states contributing to discussions on peacekeeping policy and operations.
