Nigeria’s Benjamin Sawyerr assumes duty as UNISFA commander
Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Sawyerr of the Nigerian Army has assumed duty as the Force Commander and acting head of mission at the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in Sudan.
Mr Sawyerr officially took over from Ethiopia’s Maj.-Gen. Kefyalew Tessema who has served the mission for close to two years.
This followed the appointment of Mr Sawyerr to the position in December 2021, to lead the newly reconfigured multinational peacekeeping mission in Abyei, Sudan.
This is contained in a statement by the new force commander/acting head of mission on Thursday.
Mr Sawyer commended the achievements of the Ethiopian peacekeepers under the leadership of his predecessor, Mr Tessema, especially in the areas of peace and security and, pledged to build on his legacy.
He lauded the Ethiopian troops for their immense contributions and sacrifice in pursuit of peace and security in the Abyei area.
According to him, Ethiopia has been the only country contributing troops since the establishment of UNISFA in 2011.
The country played a critical role in the prevention of conflict and advancement of the political process toward a sustainable solution for Abyei.
The force commander also paid tribute to peacekeepers who had lost their lives in the cause of peace in Abyei. He thanked the UN Secretary-General for considering him worthy of the appointment and pledged to work closely with local and national authorities toward achieving the mandate of UNISFA.
The outgoing force commander, Mr Tessema thanked UNISFA peacekeepers for their selfless sacrifice toward the effective implementation of the mission’s mandate.
Mr Tessema attributed the success of his tenure to the cooperation and understanding of all components.
Mr Sawyerr has a distinguished military career spanning over 34 years in the Nigerian Army. He is the immediate past director of Defence Information of Nigeria’s Defence Forces and also served as commandant of the Nigerian Army Armour School in Bauchi State in North-East (2020-2021).
Mr Sawyer held the position of brigade commander twice in North-East and was commanding officer of the Nigerian Battalion with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (2009-2010).
He also served as the director of plans at the Nigerian Army Headquarters (2019-2020) and deputy director of Doctrine and Combat Development (2017-2018).
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Focus on criminals, stop targeting journalists, CPJ tells Nigerian security agencies
She also pointed out harsh bail requirements imposed on journalists, describing Mr Ugagbe’s bail conditions as “utterly punitive.”
Education
Tinubu upgrades Nasarawa poly to university
Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Lagos
Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration
Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.
States
Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano
The PRO attributed the collapse to the use of poor and substandard building materials.
NationWide
FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption
Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.
Heading 2
FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.
