Beyond the Battlefield: A Blueprint for Lasting Peace Generals Ishmael Opande of Kenya and Martin Luther Agwai of Nigeria, both retired, played pivotal roles in the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), which operated from 2000 to 2003 as the largest UN peacekeeping operation at the time. During their tenure, they oversaw the disarmament and demobilization of over 46,000 former combatants. The mission began after a decade-long civil war, which ended in 2002 when President Alhaji Ahmad Tejan Kabbah declared the conflict over at a ceremony in Lungi Garrison. At the event, more than 3,000 weapons were publicly burned, marking the start of the disarmament process. Two decades later, in February 2026, Opande and Agwai returned to Sierra Leone to receive the Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel, the nation’s highest honor. Opande’s award highlighted his leadership in fostering trust among warring groups and protecting civilians during UNAMSIL. Agwai was recognized for his “hot spot” strategy, which enhanced disarmament efforts and strengthened peacekeeping operations. Sierra Leone has maintained peaceful transitions of power since 1996, with democratic elections replacing military rule. First Lady Fatima Bio emphasized the country’s commitment to peacekeeping, noting that Sierra Leonean troops, including women, are now deployed abroad to maintain stability. She reflected on the nation’s past, recalling how UN peacekeepers once protected the country during its civil war. Opande and Agwai visited regions previously controlled by rebels, observing significant socioeconomic progress. Agwai praised improved infrastructure, such as roads connecting towns to the capital, and noted the vitality of communities filled with young people. His meeting with Gen.#kenya #nigeria #sierra_leone #unamsil #abuja_agreement
