Adapting to Conflict: Nigeria's Impactful Peacekeeping Strategies in Liberia and Darfur

Abstract

Peacekeeping operations are crucial for conflict resolution and global stability. This research examines Nigeria's peacekeeping efforts, the ECOMOG operation in Liberia (1989-1997) and the UNAMID mission in Darfur, Sudan (2007-2010). This study aims to provide insights into peace and conflict studies by analyzing Nigeria's tactical approaches and outcomes. It emphasizes the significance of context-specific strategies and regional actors' roles in international peacekeeping efforts. It addresses a knowledge gap in Nigeria's peacekeeping practices through document analysis, semi-structured expert interviews, and thematic analysis. Findings demonstrate Nigeria's ability to adapt its approach to address the complexities of each conflict situation. Nigeria demonstrated "enforcement peacekeeping" during the ECOMOG mission in Liberia, combining military force with diplomacy. The strategic shift significantly ended the First Liberian Civil War, demonstrating the effectiveness of forceful intervention in conflicts requiring a decisive response. Nigeria's contributions to the UNAMID mission in Darfur demonstrated the efficacy of long-term diplomatic efforts. Nigeria played a crucial role in mitigating the humanitarian crisis and protecting civilians in the volatile Darfur region by facilitating negotiations between conflicting parties. The comparative analysis highlights the significance of context-specific peacekeeping approaches and recommends a flexible and adaptable paradigm for future operations. Accordingly, research recommends a flexible intervention approach tailored to each conflict's dynamics. Furthermore, it highlights importance of ongoing diplomatic endeavors in attaining concrete results in resolving conflicts. It emphasizes Nigeria's contributions to peacekeeping missions, highlighting the role of regional actors while providing practical insights to improve international peacekeeping operations. Policymakers and practitioners can use findings to design better and implement peacekeeping operations that address the dynamic challenges of modern conflicts.