In the past, despite Nepal’s favorable environment and contribution to UN peacekeeping missions, the country was not able to cash in on the opportunity to establish a regional peacekeeping training center and conduct multilateral exercises. Although there were many reasons for why the center did not materialize, the political conditions of Nepal and diplomatic incompetence were the primary causes.
Now, Nepal’s untiring efforts in the realm of peacekeeping have borne fruits. A mega event like Shanti Prayas 2 (Peace Endeavour) held in partnership with US Pacific Command (which concluded yesterday) has given a new height and dimension to Nepali Army and Nepal. This three-week long international peacekeeping exercise, in which around 875 soldiers from 23 countries from different regions and continents participated, has added to Birendra Peacekeeping Operation Training Centre (BPOTC)’s reputation as South Asia’s Regional Peacekeeping Centre.[break]
Presently, BPOTC trains approximately 8,000 peacekeepers annually prior to their deployment in various peacekeeping operations around the world. It focuses on pre-deployment and specialized training. Participants learn and practice the latest in peacekeeping skills in a realistic environment, as well as learn from each nation’s participants. As they increase their peacekeeping skills and ability to operate together, participants will strengthen multinational cooperation while contributing to regional peacekeeping capacity ranging from operations, logistics and planning capabilities to UN civil-military coordination.
A number of interrelated factors motivate the new, proactive approach to peacekeeping. First, the trend in peacekeeping contributions reflects Nepal’s overall effort, especially since the late 1990s, to become more responsive to international expectations while making positive and tangible contributions to global peace and security. Second, Nepal’s stepped-up peacekeeping activities also helps NA excel in missions of the 21st century, i.e. military operations other than war such as disaster response, conflict resolution, and humanitarian relief.
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Nepal has long been an enthusiastic peacekeeper, sending 95,000 troops to 39 UN Peacekeeping missions since 1958. Currently, almost 4,000 NA troops are deployed in 11 ongoing missions. Civil-military theorists argue that the more the military engages in peacekeeping duties, the better is the civil-military relationship. The first argument is that peacekeeping provides an external role for the armed forces, which in turn allows civilians to exercise control by keeping the forces away from domestic politics. The second argument claims that peacekeeping allows for increased levels of integration between civilian and military components, thus allowing for better harmonization between the military and civilians. Working under the UN bureaucracy, the military may be oriented to protect democracy and build democratic institutions. This orientation has a huge impact on the country.
Significantly, peacekeeping has been instrumental in modernizing the Nepali Army. During the opening ceremony of Shanti Prayas 2 at Panchkhal, NA spokesperson said, “We have shifted from teaching solely military aspects to teaching how to align military and civilian goals in the changed context at BPOTC.” He added that peacekeeping has encouraged the democratization of the military mindset with an international outlook and new ideas about conflict prevention, civilian governance, and rule of law.
The continued deployment and redeployment of Nepali units in a wide range of missions suggests a gradual accumulation of operational knowledge and a better understanding of the political and security dynamics and complexities on the ground. At the same time, Nepal’s increasing interaction with other militaries in UN peace operations has, to a certain degree, opened the window for a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of Nepal’s peacekeeping capabilities. Generally speaking, it is evident that Nepal is prepared to take on bigger responsibilities and play a more noteworthy role in supporting the UN peacekeeping system. This would be welcomed within the UN system as the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) continues to rely on contributions and support from developing countries like Nepal.
The expansion of Nepali engagement in peacekeeping provides a vital and amplified window of opportunity for the international community to engage with Nepal more intimately on international security issues, to help enlarge Nepal’s obligation to global stability, and to contribute to more effective international peacekeeping operations. Moreover, Western countries with substantial interests in peacekeeping affairs should also seek to increase cooperation with Nepal in peacekeeping seminars, training courses and other capacity-building programs. They should explore ways in which Nepal could play a more active part in planning, coordination and leadership roles at the DPKO.
Nepal’s participation in the UN peacekeeping operations has entered a new chapter. With the establishment of the peacekeeping center as a center for excellence, Nepal has the opportunity to develop a peacekeeping operations capacity that meets the requirements outlined in the Brahimi Report of the UN peacekeeping operations, to develop a rapid deployment capacity, and to fulfill the vision of deploying 4,000 peacekeepers.
Peacekeeping operations will continue to be an essential instrument of Nepal’s foreign policy. Increasing presence in UN has significantly helped Nepal project its image on the international community and pursue its interests and exercise foreign policy with dignity and sovereignty. The more Nepal engages in peacekeeping efforts, the more influential Nepal would be in UN, and this in turn will ensure a stronger defense of our nation, considering the geo-political realities.
The job of keeping peace is an unlimited one. Peacekeeping has been shown to be a proud Nepali tradition, but will its future contribution remain as strong? Nepal is likely to continue the tradition, not only because the nation’s foreign policy relies heavily on multilateralism, but also because of the popular demand for Nepali contributions to peace. One thing is certain: in our conflict-ridden world, there will be a great need, much scope, and many opportunities for Nepal to live up to its peacekeeping tradition.
The writer is a major in Nepal Army
chhetri_abhaya@yahoo.co
