Nigerian Brigadier General becomes first Deputy Force Commander of MINURSO
In a historic achievement for Nigeria and Africa, Brigadier General Gabriel Olufemi Esho was appointed as the Deputy Force Commander of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) on Monday. He is the first Nigerian to hold this position in the mission, which was established in 1991 to oversee the self-determination of the Sahrawi people.
Brigadier General Esho took over the role from Commodore Faustina Boakyewwa Anokye of the Ghana Navy in a ceremony attended by the Head of Mission and Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mr Alexander Ivanko, Force Commander Maj Gen MD Fakhrul Ahsan, and other senior staff and personnel of the mission.
A native of Ondo State in western Nigeria, Brigadier General Esho has a distinguished military career that spans over three decades. He graduated from the Nigerian Defense Academy with an honorary degree in Mathematics and a masters degree in Strategic Studies. He has served in various peacekeeping missions across Africa, demonstrating his leadership, courage, and strategic acumen. He was recognised by the United Nations for his outstanding performance and potential, and was selected for the prestigious position of Deputy Force Commander of MINURSO.
Brigadier General Esho expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and the support he has received. He also stressed the importance of diversity and representation in global peacekeeping missions, saying that they are essential for achieving meaningful and lasting change. He said “I am honoired to serve as a role model for aspiring Nigerian and African military personnel and young people.”
As the Deputy Force Commander of MINURSO, Brigadier General Esho will be responsible for strengthening the mission’s mandate and ensuring the security and welfare of the local population in Western Sahara. He said “I will work closely with the Sahrawi people, the parties involved, and the international community to foster dialogue, trust, and cooperation. I believe that sustainable peace can only be achieved through understanding and collaboration.”
Brigadier General Esho’s appointment is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to global peace and security, and a milestone for a more inclusive and representative future for peacekeeping missions worldwide. With his leadership and vision, MINURSO will see a renewed spirit and an empowered force working towards peace and reconciliation in Western Sahara.
Nigerian Brigadier General becomes first Deputy Force Commander of MINURSO