Dr. Terry M. Mays
Abstract: The Congo gained its independence from Belgium on 30 June 1960, however, it was unprepared to handle the duties of an independent state as seen through mutiny, ethnic strife, and ideological differences between its national leaders. Due to instability, Prime Minister Lumumba and President Kasavubu of the Congo agreed to request assistance from the world body, giving Nigeria an opening to intervene and exert influence. The United Nations deployed a peacekeeping force, the United Nations Congo Operation (UNOC), that gradually evolved into a peace enforcement unit before its departure. Nigeria’s two core values motivating involvement in ONUC include preserving multi-ethnic states such as the Ibo, Yoruba, and Hausa, and reducing Western economic aid. Furthermore, Nigeria considers itself a leader and spokesman for Africa and wants to prove itself stronger than its rival state, Ghana. Ghana is seen as a threat to Nigeria’s values and goals. Participating in ONUC is considered realist planning that will strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy goals on the African continent.
Keywords: Nigeria, United Nations Congo Operation, Foreign Policy Goals
