What keeps it alive
Nigeria led ECOMOG intervention in Sierra Leone (1997–2000) after the RUF coup against President Kabbah. Nigerian forces restored civilian government. General Maxwell Khobe was the ECOMOG commander. Nigeria spent significant capital — human and financial — on this intervention.
Active drivers
SECURITY · DIPLOMATIC
Anchors
ECOWAS · Post-war ties · Historical intervention solidarity
Accountability
Nigeria's ECOMOG intervention in Sierra Leone is widely regarded as successful — civilian government was restored. However, Nigerian ECOMOG soldiers were documented in some human rights violations and diamond mining during the intervention. No accountability process was ever conducted.
Key moments
- 1997RUF/AFRC coup ousted Kabbah. ECOWAS imposed sanctions. ECOMOG (Nigerian-led) began military operations.
- 1998ECOMOG restored Kabbah government. General Khobe leading.
- 2000Operation Palliser (UK) alongside ECOMOG stabilised the country.
- 2023Sierra Leone coup attempt. ECOWAS (Nigeria) condemned.
Remittance corridor
Inflow: Minimal
Cost: 9–12%
Informal cash