The recent missile attack on a base of Ghanaian peacekeepers deployed under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is very unfortunate. According to international UN standards, peacekeeping troops stationed along the Blue Line operate strictly under UN protocols and have no involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Security Consultant Richard Kumadoe explained that the incident falls under the jurisdiction of the United Nations, which must demonstrate leadership in addressing the matter. He stressed that international peacekeeping troops are not participants in the war, and therefore the UN must urgently enforce its protocols to ensure the safety and welfare of all officers serving in the mission.
Mr. Kumadoe made these remarks during an interview on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor FM 92.3, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
He further noted that the issue surrounding the casualties is a matter for the UN and should be handled within diplomatic channels. According to him, Ghana must appeal to the United Nations to address the situation, since the victims of the attack are peacekeeping personnel serving under the Blue Line and not combatants in the conflict.
Mr. Kumadoe also warned that the ongoing geopolitical conflict threatens the global economy and called on political leaders around the world to “smoke the peace pipe” and work together to restore peace in conflict zones.
In a related development, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has announced that Ghanaian peacekeepers serving in southern Lebanon remain in high spirits despite the missile attack on their base while deployed under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
In a statement issued by the GAF Department of Public Relations at the General Headquarters, Burma Camp, the military confirmed that four soldiers were injured when the headquarters of the Ghanaian battalion came under attack.
According to the statement, three soldiers sustained minor injuries, while one soldier was critically injured.
The Ghana Armed Forces indicated that the critically injured soldier has successfully undergone surgery and is responding to treatment. All four injured personnel are currently reported to be in stable condition.
The statement also revealed that 14 officers whose accommodation was completely destroyed in the attack have since been re-kitted, re-accommodated, and provided with the necessary support.
“Despite the incident, the Battalion is in high spirits and morale remains high,” the statement said.
The Ghana Armed Forces also expressed appreciation to the public for the support shown following the incident.
“The Ghana Armed Forces expresses its profound gratitude to the general public for the continued solidarity,” the statement added.
The statement was signed by Naval Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations for the Ghana Armed Forces.