The International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, and the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA have formalized a partnership through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, aimed at advancing humanitarian law and reinforcing human rights education.
The MoU was signed on Tuesday at the NDA headquarters in Kaduna. Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, the NDA’s Commandant, highlighted that the agreement would integrate international humanitarian law into the academy’s curriculum. Represented by his deputy, AVM Sunday Aneke, Ochai emphasized that the collaboration seeks to equip future military leaders with the skills needed to handle complex conflicts with empathy and integrity.
The partnership will see the development of joint training programs, workshops, and research initiatives focused on humanitarian law, human rights, and military ethics. Ochai stressed the importance of these skills for cadets, saying, “the MoU will ensure they are well-prepared to navigate their roles while maintaining high ethical standards.”
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ICRC’s Team Leader, Mr. Yann Bonzon, described the MoU as a significant milestone in its relationship with the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly with the NDA. Bonzon noted that while the collaboration has been ongoing for over two decades, this MoU formalizes the partnership for the first time with a Nigerian military institution.
Bonzon explained that the ICRC’s extensive experience in International Humanitarian Law, IHL, would support the NDA in translating these laws into practical field applications. He emphasized that modern warfare has evolved, often involving civilian populations and unconventional tactics, making it crucial for military personnel to understand and apply IHL effectively.
The ICRC’s role includes guiding the integration of legal principles into military operations, ensuring that soldiers respond appropriately to various operational situations. Bonzon highlighted the NDA’s pivotal role in training future military leaders, asserting that the academy is ideally positioned to instill the right knowledge and reflexes in its cadets.
In the coming five years, the ICRC plans to deploy its resources to support the NDA in this integration process, aiming to enhance the operational practices of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The MoU will be followed by a three-day symposium on IHL for the graduating cadets of the 71 Regular Course and Direct Short Service courses 28 (Army) and 32 (Air Force), culminating in a tactical exercise without troops.
This engagement is expected to refine the MoU’s implementation and foster improved humanitarian practices within Nigeria’s military framework.
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