Abuja: The Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has revealed the personal loss he endured during the Liberian Civil War, disclosing that ten of his Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) coursemates lost their lives in the conflict that spanned from 1990 to 1997. Musa shared this poignant memory at the book unveiling ceremony of ‘Fighting Bushfires: ECOWAS and Peacemaking in West Africa- The Experience and Learning Curves,’ held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the book, authored by Professor Amadu Sesay, a retired professor of International Relations from Obafemi Awolowo University, chronicles the wars in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea-Bissau. Musa emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by these soldiers, urging West African leaders to honor their legacy by ensuring the unity and stability of the continent.
Musa recounted, “I finished from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1991. And that was when we started going to Liberia. I lost 10 of my coursemates in Liberia, 10 of them. One of them, particularly from Akwa Ibom, but then Cross River, finished his course, came back to the barracks, and the barracks was empty because his seniors had all moved to Liberia. So, he said, ‘What am I doing here when everybody is there fighting?’ And they said, ‘No, you are a young officer, stay here.’ He said, ‘No, I can’t be here when those guys are fighting.’ And he left. A year later, he was killed.”
Musa further explained the ongoing sacrifices made by officers and the profound impact of their commitment. He called for African unity to ensure these sacrifices were not in vain and emphasized the symbolic importance of ECOWAS in maintaining regional stability.
The minister also addressed misconceptions regarding the roles played by foreign powers in the conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone. He clarified that ECOMOG, rather than any foreign intervention, was responsible for restoring peace in these regions. Musa stressed the necessity for Africans to document their history to prevent others from misrepresenting it.
Reflecting on ECOWAS’ achievements, Musa acknowledged its success in maintaining peace and security in West Africa, despite initial doubts about its capabilities. He highlighted the importance of learning from past experiences as ECOWAS celebrates its 50th anniversary and continues to strive for regional cooperation and stability.
The event also saw ECOWAS honoring past ECOMOG Field Commanders and journalists for their contributions to peace in the region. Among those recognized were two Nigerian journalists, Krees Imodibie and Tayo Awotunsin, who were killed during the conflict in Liberia. Additionally, veteran columnist Lindsay Barret and Ben Asante of Ghana were awarded the Symbolic Peace of the Rose Award.