A Nigerian Army officer, Brigadier General Gabriel Olufemi Esho, has been appointed as the Deputy Force Commander of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO).

Esho, with the appointment, becomes the first Nigerian to hold the position in MINURSO.

The Ondo State-born senior officer took over from Commodore Faustina Boakyewwa Anokye from the Ghana Navy.

Speaking on the appointment, Esho, in a statement made available to The Star on Sunday, February 18, 2024, expressed gratitude for the support he has received.

He emphasised the importance of diversity within global peacekeeping missions, stating that representation is essential for meaningful and lasting change.

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The statement added: “Brigadier General Esho hails from Ondo State in western Nigeria. From a young age, he showed great determination and an unwavering commitment to serving others, which led him to pursue a career in the military.

“After graduating from the prestigious Nigerian Defense Academy as a member of 46th Regular Course with an Honorary Degree in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies, his dedication and exceptional leadership qualities quickly garnered attention. Throughout his career, Brig Gen Esho displayed fierceness, resilience, and a remarkable grasp of strategic military operations.

“MINURSO was established by the UN Security Council in 1991 with the primary objective of overseeing the referendum on self-determination for the people of Western Sahara.

“The mission has long been regarded as one of the most challenging, yet crucial, peacekeeping operations in the world.”

The Star