Baba: Former warrior turned man of peace offers hope to troubled world

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has emerged as a beacon of peace in Africa, using his military background and leadership skills to bring conflicting parties together and prioritize the greater good of society. Known as ‘Baba’ to his admirers, Obasanjo’s ability to find solutions in seemingly impossible situations has made him a trusted mediator in various conflicts across the continent.

One of his most notable achievements was in Liberia, where he played a crucial role in ending the devastating civil war by offering asylum to warlord Charles Taylor. Despite facing criticism for this decision, Obasanjo knew that without compromise, there would be no peace. His foresight proved to be right as Liberia has since become a stable democracy with peaceful transitions of power.

In Ethiopia, Obasanjo’s diplomatic skills were put to the test as he worked tirelessly to negotiate a ceasefire between the central government and the authorities in the Tigray region. His approach of hearing all sides and fostering confidence-building measures led to the signing of the Pretoria Agreement, bringing an end to the conflict that could have dragged on for decades.

Drawing from his experience in Nigeria’s Biafran civil war, Obasanjo emphasizes the importance of learning from past mistakes and addressing the root causes of conflicts. His authority on the subject allows him to press conflicting parties to seek peace and build inclusive societies.

As a strong advocate for gender equity and peacebuilding initiatives, such as the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Center for Women and Development, Obasanjo continues to champion for a peaceful and prosperous Africa. His ability to plant the seed of peace and nurture it to flourish has earned him the reputation of a true man of peace on the continent.