International Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies

Fragmenting Nationalism and Institutionalizing Conflict and Underdevelopment in Africa

John Tor Tsuwa — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

African nationalists had forged a unified ideology towards decolonization and development irrespective of culture, religion, and ethnicity. This helped them to gain independence and mobilized resources for collective development. Conversely, post-independent African leaders in their bid to capture, use, and retain power have destroyed the nationalist ideology and introduced fragmentalism. This paper using secondary data and analyzing the data within the arguments of the social-conflict analysis paradigm discovered that the post-colonial elite have developed religious, economic, cultural, and ethnic identities to fragment their citizens. This new strategy of divide and rule has paved the way for them to personalize governmental resources. This has affected Africa’s effective participation in the globalization process irrespective of its comparative advantage. The paper also discovered that African leaders have continued to fuel conflicts and underdevelopment to perpetually keep the fragmented people poor. Based on these realities and findings, the paper recommends that African societies should initiate strong Indigenous leadership ideologies and business sectors based on their comparative advantage. This will change the ownership of the means of production and the social relations of production from a personalized elite group to a community-based approach of inclusion that will help solve the conflicts and underdevelopment challenges that have bedeviled the African continent.

Analysis of the Effect of Compliance of International Committee of Red Cross on Armed Conflict on Female Gender in Nigeria

Adejoh Reuben — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the impact of compliance with National Committee of Red Cross principles on armed conflict and its effects on the female gender in Nigeria. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. Data were sourced from primary and secondary sources, including surveys, interviews, and existing literature. The findings reveal that compliance with National Committee of Red Cross principles significantly reduces the vulnerability of women and girls to violence, exploitation, and abuse during armed conflicts in Nigeria. The study also highlights the critical role of the National Committee of Red Cross in promoting humanitarian law and principles, and in providing protection and assistance to women and girls affected by armed conflict. The research concludes that enhancing compliance with National Committee of Red Cross principles is crucial for mitigating the impact of armed conflict on women and girls in Nigeria. The study recommends that the Nigerian government, the National Committee of Red Cross, and other stakeholders work together to strengthen the implementation of humanitarian law and principles, and to provide adequate protection and support to women and girls affected by armed conflict.

Book Review: Liberal Peace: On Conflict, Gender, and Peacebuilding (Democratic Republic of Congo Case Study)

Michael Sunday Agba, Grace Eleojo Agba-Michael — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Liberal Peace: On Conflict, Gender, and Peacebuilding presents a critical examination of the liberal peace model of peacebuilding, particularly its application in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The book comes in eighteen chapters and covers diverse areas of peacebuilding in the context of DRC-Chapter 1: Democratic Republic of Congo’s Conflict and Gendered Nature, Chapter 2: Interventionism and the Responsibility to Protect, Chapter 3: Ontological Underpinnings of the Conflict, Chapter 4: Addressing Gender Issues Locally and Internationally, Chapter 5: Rape, Women’s Bodies versus Resources, Chapter 6: Gender Exclusion and Exploitation as Capitalist and Colonial Hangovers, Chapter 7: No Permanent Allies but Permanent Interests, Chapter 8: The Institutionalisation of GBV, Chapter 9: Socially Entrenched Culture of Violence: Authors’ Testimonies and Congolese Women’s Peacebuilding Initiatives, Chapter 10: National and Global Politico-Economic Factors, Chapter 11: International Conspiracy against the DRC Africa’s Typical Replica, Chapter 12: Rape as the Weapon of Capitalism, Chapter 13: The Internalisation of Rape, Chapter 14: Prostitution, Chapter 15: When Liberal Peace Fails, Chapter 16: Forces Behind the Conflict, Chapter 17: Human Rights Vs Security , Chapter 18: Whose Human Rights? Interesting, each chapter of the book comes ends with discussion questions probably intended to broaden and deepen reader’s insights into the issues covered in the chapter. Students of Peace and Conflict Studies (PCS), International Relations, Political Sciences, Public Administration, Sociology, Economics, Political Economy, Social Works, Environmental and Resource Management, etc. would find the content of this book useful. Thus, the multidisciplinary content of the book makes it appealing to the social science and development discourse.

Counter-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction: Strategies against Terrorism through a Questionnaire-Based Study

Anamika, Varun Gulati — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study was conducted with an aim to address the critical issue of preventing the spread and misuse of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) in the context of the threat of terrorist attacks involving nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, their delivery systems and related materials. The study utilized a questionnaire-based research methodology to gather insights from subject matter experts and the scientific community, providing a comprehensive understanding of the motivations, capabilities, resources, and potential consequences of WMD proliferation. The study results highlighted the multifaceted motivations of potential proliferators, including deterrence, prestige, financial gain, and offensive purposes, necessitating a nuanced assessment of the risks associated with WMD proliferation. It also underscores the significance of understanding the capabilities and resources available to potential proliferators, such as scientific, technological, and industrial capabilities, as well as financial and human resources. Additionally, the study focused on the potential consequences of WMD proliferation, including its impact on regional and global security, the economy, and society. It underscored the need for robust measures to prevent and counter its proliferation. The study also highlighted the importance of nonproliferation strategies, including diplomatic, economic, and military measures, and emphasized different strategies' costs and benefits. It underscores the necessity for organizations to establish due diligence processes, policies, procedures, and training programs, and to collaborate with other stakeholders to address WMD proliferation challenges effectively. Additionally, it acknowledges the potential for technology or expertise to be misused for WMD development. It emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences and best practices to raise awareness and improve risk management. In conclusion, the study provided valuable insights into the risks of WMD proliferation for companies and institutions, highlighting the need for proactive risk management strategies, collaboration with stakeholders, and a deep understanding of the potential consequences and implications of WMD proliferation. It underscores the importance of addressing these risks through a comprehensive and collaborative approach, proactive risk management strategies, and a deep understanding of the potential consequences and implications of WMD proliferation.

Assessment of Effects of Gender-Based Violence on Women's Participation in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding in NWSW Cameroon

Shomsang Elvine Bendung, Irene Sama-Lang — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper explores the effects of gender-based violence (GBV) on women's participation in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts. In many conflict-affected areas, women face significant barriers that hinder their involvement in these critical processes, often rooted in the pervasive culture of violence and discrimination. In the conflict-affected areas of NWSW regions of Cameroon, most often, women and girls are considered legal minors and not invited to take part in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. This paper makes use of qualitative research methods such as the library method, unstructured interviews, Focus Group Discussions and personal observations to bring forward the effects of this violence on vulnerable women and girls, and the effects of their absence from conflict resolution and peacebuilding tables. Mindful of the above, the paper explains the various types of violence, before going forward to critically analyse the role they can play in hindering conflict resolution and peacebuilding. The research also analyses case studies from various contexts and examines how GBV not only undermines women's safety and well-being but also diminishes their capacity to contribute effectively to peace initiatives. Additionally, there is a discussion on the role of grassroots organizations in empowering women and addressing GBV as a means to enhance their participation in conflict resolution. The paper reveals that experiences of violence can lead to psychological trauma, reduced social capital, and limited access to resources, all of which impede women's engagement in peacebuilding activities Finally, this study advocates for legal reforms and providing support services, underscores the necessity of integrating gender perspectives into peace processes, emphasizes that addressing GBV is essential for fostering inclusive and sustainable peace and calls for a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of gender equality, GBV prevention, and women's active participation in peacebuilding efforts.

Vigilante Security Service and Crime Control in Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Danlami Okolo Ogye — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Crimes have remained a clog in the wheel of progress that has derailed many communities from making meaningful development despite the efforts of Police to control crime in Nigeria. The study examines the relationship between vigilante security service at community level and crime control in Keana LGA. This was to properly document various initiatives adopted by the organisations in reducing criminal activities in rural areas. The study identified the reason for the formation of community vigilante security groups as recognised outfits of crime control in Keana LGA and strategies deployed by community vigilante security groups to fight and control criminal activities, as well as examined the effectiveness of community vigilante security groups in crime prevention and control. Quantitative method, applied using questionnaires instrument, was used to collect data from 381 respondents. The data were collected from residents of Keana LGA and were selected through multistage technique. The study concluded that vigilante security service played a critical role in crime control at the community level which complement the statutory function of the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement operatives.

Keywords: Crime control, Nigeria Police Force, community and vigilante security service.

Impact of Conflict Resolution Skills on Community Peace and Family Cohesion in Kogi State, Nigeria

Alex Friday Obaje, Fatai Alexander Oluwatosin, Atawodi Ibrahim — Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the impact of conflict resolution skills on community peace and family cohesion in Kogi State, Nigeria. Conflict resolution skills, which include active listening, empathy, negotiation, and problem-solving, are essential for effectively management of disputes within families and communities. The research highlights the necessity of these skills in fostering constructive communication, which lead to a more harmonious environment for families and the broader community. The study addresses two primary research questions: the relationship between conflict resolution skills and community peace, and the relationship between conflict resolution skills and family cohesion. Utilizing a descriptive correlational research design, data were collected from 400 adult respondents in Kogi State through structured questionnaires. The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between conflict resolution skills and both community peace (r = 0.584, p = 0.001) and family cohesion (r = 0.598, p = 0.003). These results indicate that enhancing conflict resolution skills among parents can lead to improved family dynamics and, subsequently, greater community harmony. The implications of these findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, such as conflict resolution training programs for parents and educational institutions. By equipping individuals with effective conflict resolution strategies, it is possible to foster stronger family bonds and promote social cohesion within communities. The study concludes that the cultivation of conflict resolution skills is vital for achieving sustainable peace and stability in Kogi State, emphasizing the role of parents as models for conflict management within their families and communities.

Poverty and Conflict as the Bane of Development in Nigeria

Hilary Nwachukwu Onwe — Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The question of development has been much of a critical discourse in Nigeria. This is given the fact that Nigeria has the potentials to achieve development but this has become quite elusive. The country battles with the twin challenge of poverty and conflict. With an alarming rate of poverty in the country as well as incessant cases of communal or political conflicts, this paper argues that there is a nexus between poverty and conflict and both are borne out of a feeling of frustration by the people which leads them into aggression. While maintaining that the duo are not the only cause of Nigeria’s underdevelopment, the study argued that these other factors such as leadership crises, corruption, among others are still tied to poverty and conflict. The paper concludes that the only path towards ensuring the development of the country is to tackle both to its roots.