The former Chairperson-Rapporteur of the United Nations Working Group on Mercenaries, has advised the Nigerian government to be careful about adopting the advisory put forward by Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, which focused on engaging Turkey in its war against terrorism.
Kwaja, who led the UN group, referenced investigations disclosed that “my investigations while serving with the UN revealed Turkey’s troubling role in deploying Syrian mercenaries to conflict zones, undermining peace efforts in Libya and beyond”.
According to Prof. Kwaja, Evidence gathered by the UN and human rights organizations confirms Turkey’s recruitment and deployment of Syrian fighters to Libya, Azerbaijan, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Iraq, an actions that contravene international law he said.
He insisted, that Turkey’s actions fuel instability and prolong conflicts, posing a threat to regional and global security, while urging Nigeria to prioritize partnerships with entities committed to ethical, lawful practices, urging Nigeria authorities to reject Sheikh Gumi’s recommendation and align with nations upholding international law and human rights standards in counter-terrorism strategies.
“Turkey’s use of mercenaries is a critical concern; engaging them risks perpetuating cycles of violence. Nigeria’s security demands better” Kwaja added.
