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ABSTRACT
In the Southeast region of Nigeria, conflicts between various ethnic groups, have been 
prevalent in recent years. These conflicts have resulted in displacement, economic 
disruption, and the loss of lives and properties. Despite various peace-building and 
conflict management efforts by the Nigerian government, civil society organizations, and 
international bodies, conflicts continue to occur in Nigeria. It is necessary to re-examine 
the current peacemaking and conflict management approaches to identify the gaps, 
especially from the youth population which has not receive much attention. The 
methodology adopted is the content analysis approach. The paper adopted the Social 
Identity Theory (SIT) as its theoretical framework. The theory provides a useful 
framework for understanding the role of group identity in conflict and peacebuilding. The 
findings of the study revealed that youths have the potential to play an important role in 
peacebuilding and conflict management in South-East Nigeria. The paper concludes that 
there is a need to involve young people in peace-building efforts as well as to promote 
their participation. It recommends that youths should be involved in decision-making 
processes at all levels of government and civil society as this can help to ensure that their 
voices are heard and their perspectives considered in policies that affect them.

Keywords: Peacemaking, Peacebuilding, Conflict management, Youth, South-East, 
Nigeria

INTRODUCTION
The history of Nigeria has been characterized by various forms of conflicts ranging from 
ethno-religious clashes, political violence, to communal conflicts, which have resulted in 
the loss of lives and properties (Okolie, 2018). The conflict in Nigeria has been attributed 
to several factors, including resource control, ethno-religious intolerance, and political 
marginalization, among others (Uzoechi & Nwankwo, 2020). In the Southeast region of 
Nigeria, conflicts between various ethnic groups, have been prevalent in recent years. 
The Southeast region of Nigeria is home to various ethnic groups, including the Igbo, the 
Efik, and the Ibibio, among others. The region has witnessed various forms of conflicts, 
including conflicts between farmers and herders, inter-communal conflicts, and political 
violence, among others (Umejesi, 2019). These conflicts have resulted in displacement, 
economic disruption, and the loss of lives and properties (Ibeanu & Otutu, 2020).
Despite various peace-building and conflict management efforts by the Nigerian 
government, civil society organizations, and international bodies, conflicts continue to 
occur in Nigeria. There is a need to re-examine the current peacemaking and conflict 
management approaches to identify the gaps and the opportunities to involve other actors 

RE-EXAMINING PEACEMAKING AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT: THE ROLE 
OF YOUTH IN PEACE BUILDING AND PROCESS IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA

LAWAL AKOR JOHN
NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY KEFFI

  INSTITUTE OF GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT

217



who can contribute to peace-building efforts. One such group that has not received much 
attention is the youth population. As Adedeji (2018) puts it, young people have often been 
marginalized in peace processes and conflict management efforts, with their 
contributions overlooked or undervalued.

The exclusion of young people from peace-building efforts is a missed opportunity to tap 
into the potential of a significant population in Nigeria. The youth population in Nigeria 
represents a significant proportion of the population, with estimates indicating that over 
60% of Nigerians are below the age of 30 (Population Reference Bureau, 2021). 
Therefore, the role of youth in peace-building and conflict management cannot be 
underestimated. Young people have the potential to contribute to peace-building 
processes in various ways, including promoting dialogue, inter-group understanding, and 
community building (UN, 2015). In south-east Nigeria, there is a need to explore the role 
of young people in peace-building and conflict management and to identify ways to 
promote their participation in such efforts.

The aim of this study is to re-examine the current peacemaking and conflict management 
approaches in Southeast Nigeria, and to identify the role of youth in peace-building and 
conflict management.

The paper is segmented into five sections, beginning with the introduction. The second 
section clarifies the relevant concepts, while the third section explains the methodology 
used. The fourth section discussed the subject matter, while the fifth section concludes the 
paper.

CONCEPTUAL CLARIFICATION: Peace Making and Peace Building
Peacemaking in Nigeria refers to the efforts aimed at resolving conflicts and promoting 
peaceful coexistence among different groups in the country. Nigeria is a diverse country, 
with over 250 ethnic groups, and has experienced various forms of conflicts, including 
inter-communal conflicts, political violence, religious conflicts, and conflicts between 
farmers and herders, among others (Olonisakin, 2015). According to Licklider (2020), 
peacemaking is "the process of bringing parties to a conflict to the negotiating table and 
facilitating the resolution of the conflict through dialogue and compromise.”

According to Svensson and Wallensteen (2020), peacemaking is the proactive process of 
starting, facilitating, and maintaining negotiations with the goal of resolving disputes and 
producing peaceful solutions. According to Galtung and Richmond (2020), peacemaking 
is a dynamic and interactive process that entails the recognition and transformation of 
conflict's underlying causes, the development of mutual trust between parties, and the 
negotiation of a lasting peace deal.

Lederach (2015) defines peacemaking as the art of intervening in conflicts in ways that 
change interpersonal dynamics, address underlying grievances, and pave the road for 
enduring peace is known as peacemaking. According to Wall (2019), peacemaking is a 
process of reconciliation that entails altering interpersonal dynamics and resolving 
disputes via discussion, negotiation, and compromise.

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Since peace peacebuilding requires peace, it is impossible to achieve peace without it. In 
other words, as peace can only be built upon when it already exists, peace is crucial or at 
the core of peacebuilding. Since there is no consensus among academics on what 
constitutes an appropriate definition of "peace," the concept has been defined in a number 
of different ways. The word "pax," which means a treaty, pact, or agreement to end a war, 
dispute, or conflict between or among people, groups of people, or states in Latin, is the 
source of the expression. Also, it promotes tranquillity in general. To put it another way, 
for there to be peace, there needs to be an atmosphere devoid of tumult and confusion, 
with no restrictions or barriers preventing people from going about their daily lives.

Peace is defined by Ibeanu (2006) as initiatives to minimize conflict and promote 
development in specific societies and the larger international community. Thus, peace is 
essential for ensuring social, political, and economic advancement. Ahamefule (2013) 
defined a condition of peace as one without war, in which nobody is upset by others, and 
in which there is tranquillity, free from fears or anxiety.

Brinkmann (2006) defined peacebuilding as the transformation of a violent state or 
situation into one that fosters better political, socioeconomic equality, justice, fairness, 
and security for all people within a diverse cultural milieu. Brinkmann takes it a step 
further by identifying two parts of peacebuilding. He asserts that the first component of 
peacebuilding is focused on lessening or modifying violence, while the second part of 
peacebuilding is focused on enhancing already existing peaceful activities or to inspire 
new ones. The importance of timing should be emphasized when planning and carrying 
out peacebuilding activities because some will provide beneficial results straight away 
while others won't be obvious for some time.

Boutros-Ghali (1992) asserts that peacebuilding acts as a conduit for the repair of places 
or things harmed by conflict. It is a process of identifying and fostering those institutions 
that will reinforce, bolster, and cement peace in order to prevent a return into war. 
According to Doyle and Sambanis (1999), peacebuilding requires "the prior 
establishment of a minimal level of peace." To put it another way, while upholding peace 
is crucial to establishing it, failing to do so will have the opposite effect by calcifying a 
conflict over time and making peacebuilding challenging.

According to Lederach (1997), peacebuilding is a "long-term, gradual, and sustainable 
process that seeks to address the root causes of violent conflict and to create a social 
system that is just, equitable, and peaceful." Galtung (1996) defines peacebuilding as "the 
establishment of structures and systems that provide for the resolution of conflicts 
without resorting to violence, and that address the root causes of conflict in a way that 
promotes justice, human rights, and sustainable development." Ramsbotham, 
Woodhouse, and Miall (2016) describe peacebuilding as "the use of non-violent methods 
to manage and transform conflicts, to address the underlying causes of violence, and to 
promote a sustainable and just peace.”

Paris and Sisk (2009) define peacebuilding as "the deliberate and sustained effort to 
prevent the outbreak, recurrence, or continuation of violent conflict, and to address its 

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root causes through a range of political, social, and economic strategies." According to 
Bercovitch and Jackson (2009), peacebuilding involves "a broad range of activities that 
aim to create conditions that are conducive to peaceful relations among parties in conflict, 
and to prevent, manage, or resolve conflicts in a manner that promotes reconciliation, 
justice, and social change.”

Conflict Management
Conflict management, according to Coleman and Ferguson (2015), is the act of 
recognizing, discussing, and resolving conflicts or disagreements that develop between 
people, groups, or organizations in a way that is positive, courteous, and mutually 
beneficial. Conflict management, according to Gurr and Cole (2019), is the proactive and 
reactive work done by both individuals and groups to avoid, control, and settle 
disagreements and conflicts. Conflict management is the art of handling disagreements 
and conflicts in a way that reduces the likelihood of violence, addresses the root causes of 
the conflict, and fosters collaboration and cooperation between parties, according to 
Kriesberg (2020).

According to Moore (2014), the process of developing and putting into practice tactics 
that allow disputing parties to converse amicably, comprehend one another's viewpoints, 
and work toward a mutually agreeable resolution. Conflict management is the act of 
handling conflicts, disagreements, or differences between people, groups, or 
organizations using a range of strategies, such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, 
according to Wall and Callister (2017). Conflict management, according to Rahim 
(2017), is the act of detecting, addressing, and resolving conflicts or disputes that arise 
between individuals or organizations utilizing a range of approaches, such as negotiation, 
mediation, and arbitration.

By controlling how parties interact, communicate, and bargain with one another, Wilmot 
and Hocker (2018) describe conflict management as the process of minimizing the 
negative effects of conflict and maximizing its positive potential. According to Lederach 
(2015), the practice of handling conflict in a way that fosters connections, 
comprehension, and original problem-solving rather than confrontation or violence. 
According to Deutsch (2017), conflict management is the process of addressing and 
resolving disagreements between parties with the aim of achieving a win-win outcome.

METHODOLOGY
The methodology adopted for the study is qualitative.  Data were gathered from 
secondary sources like journals, official websites, and literary works, documentary and 
newspapers. Every single piece of information gathered for this study is pertinent to it. 
Content analysis and thematic approach were largely engaged.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The study adopts the Social Identity Theory (SIT) as its theoretical framework. The 
theory provides a useful framework for understanding the role of youth in peacemaking 
and conflict management. SIT posits that people's social identity, or the groups to which 

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they belong, can shape their attitudes and behaviours towards in-group and out-group 
members (Tajfel & Turner, 1986). In the context of this research topic, youth in South-
East Nigeria may identify with different social groups based on their ethnicity, religion, 
and regional affiliations. These social identities can influence their attitudes and 
behaviours towards people from other groups, and in turn, can impact conflict and 
peacebuilding efforts.

According to SIT, people strive to maintain a positive social identity, which can involve 
favouring their in-group over out-groups (Tajfel & Turner, 1986). This can lead to inter-
group conflict, as groups may compete for resources and status. In the context of South-
East Nigeria, conflicts have been attributed to factors such as resource control, ethno-
religious intolerance, and political marginalization (Uzoechi & Nwankwo, 2020). These 
factors can exacerbate inter-group tensions and lead to violence.

However, SIT also suggests that people can adopt a superordinate identity that transcends 
their individual group identities and fosters cooperation between groups (Tajfel & Turner, 
1986). In the context of South-East Nigeria, youth can potentially adopt a shared identity 
as Nigerians that transcends their regional, ethnic, and religious identities. This 
superordinate identity can facilitate collaboration and cooperation in peacemaking 
efforts.

Moreover, SIT proposes that inter-group contact can reduce prejudice and improve inter-
group relations, particularly when certain conditions are met, such as equal status 
between groups and common goals (Pettigrew & Tropp, 2006). In the context of South-
East Nigeria, youth from different social groups can work together towards common 
goals such as promoting peace and reducing violence. This can help to break down inter-
group barriers and promote cooperation.

The theory highlights the ways in which group membership can influence perceptions, 
attitudes, and behaviours, including in the context of conflict and peacebuilding (Haslam, 
2001). Social Identity Theory can be useful for identifying potential avenues for 
promoting intergroup harmony and reducing conflict. By recognizing the importance of 
social identity in shaping intergroup behaviour, interventions can be designed to target 
specific aspects of identity that may contribute to conflict (Haslam, 2001). For example, 
efforts to promote a shared sense of national identity may help to reduce ethnic or regional 
tensions in Nigeria.

One potential weakness of social identity theory is that it may oversimplify the complex 
and multifaceted nature of conflict. Conflict can arise from a wide range of factors beyond 
just group identity, including economic, political, and historical factors (Bar-Tal, 2013). 
Focusing solely on group identity may therefore overlook other important factors that 
contribute to conflict.

Additionally, social identity theory has been criticized for being too deterministic and 
emphasizing the role of group membership in shaping behaviour, rather than individual 
agency (Bar-Tal, 2013). This may overlook the ways in which individuals can resist or 

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challenge group norms and identities.
The theory is, however appropriate to the study as provides a useful framework for 
understanding the role of group identity in conflict and peacebuilding. It also emphasizes 
the importance of social categorization and identification in shaping intergroup 
behaviour.

PEACEMAKING AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN SOUTH-EAST 
NIGERIA

Peacemaking and conflict management in South East Nigeria have been ongoing issues 
due to various factors such as resource control, political marginalization, and ethno-
religious intolerance (Uzoechi & Nwankwo, 2020). The region has experienced violent 
conflicts over the years, including the Biafran War, the Niger Delta militancy, and the 
clashes between farmers and herders.

One of the key challenges to peacemaking and conflict management in the region has 
been the involvement of youth in violent activities. However, youth can also play a 
critical role in peacebuilding and conflict management through various strategies. One 
such strategy is the involvement of youth in peace dialogues, which can help to bridge the 
gap between conflicting groups (Onuoha, 2020). Additionally, youth-led initiatives can 
be effective in building trust and promoting reconciliation among communities affected 
by conflict (Bergenwall & Nilsson, 2020).

Efforts to promote peace and stability in South East Nigeria have also involved the 
government and various stakeholders. For instance, the establishment of the Niger Delta 
Development Commission (NDDC) was aimed at addressing the economic and social 
marginalization of the region (Ibekwe, 2020). Additionally, the government has set up 
various peacebuilding and conflict resolution mechanisms such as the National Peace 
Committee and the National Human Rights Commission (Uzoechi & Nwankwo, 2020).
The government and international organizations have made efforts to address conflicts in 
the region through various initiatives, such as disarmament, demobilization, and 
reintegration (DDR) programs, peace conferences, and peacebuilding projects (Uzoechi 
& Nwankwo, 2020). However, these efforts have not fully addressed the underlying 
issues causing conflicts, such as political marginalization, ethnic tensions, and resource 
control.

In addition, the role of youth in peacemaking and conflict management has not been fully 
recognized. Youth in the region have been affected by the conflicts, with many being 
recruited into armed groups or being displaced from their homes. However, they also 
have the potential to contribute to peacebuilding efforts, as they have the energy, 
creativity, and innovative ideas to tackle the root causes of conflicts (Okeke, 2019).
Despite efforts by the government, peacemaking and conflict management in South East 
Nigeria continue to face challenges. Some of these challenges include limited resources 
for peacebuilding initiatives, weak institutional frameworks, and political instability 
(Onuoha, 2020). Therefore, there is a need for continued efforts towards sustainable 
peacebuilding and conflict management in the region.

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THE ROLES OF YOUTHS IN PEACEBUILDING IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA
The roles of youth in peacebuilding and conflict management in South East Nigeria are 
varied and complex. Below are some of the key roles that youth can play in these 
processes, along with relevant in-text citations and references:

·Bridging divides between communities: Youth can act as bridges between different 
communities by promoting dialogue, building relationships, and creating networks 
for peace (Okorie & Chukwuocha, 2021). By doing so, they can help to reduce 
tensions and foster greater understanding between groups.

·Promoting non-violent conflict resolution: Youth can promote non-violent conflict 
resolution strategies, such as mediation, negotiation, and dialogue, which can help to 
de-escalate conflicts and reduce the likelihood of violence (Onyekwelu et al., 2019). 
They can also advocate for peaceful means of conflict resolution and work to prevent 
the spread of rumors and misinformation that can fuel violence.

·Advocating for social justice: Youth can play a key role in advocating for social 
justice and addressing the root causes of conflict, such as inequality, poverty, and 
discrimination. They can mobilize for change, raise awareness of injustices, and 
promote policies and programs that address these issues (Uzoechi & Nwankwo, 
2020).

·Building resilience: Youth can build resilience in their communities by promoting a 
sense of cohesion, hope, and empowerment. They can engage in activities such as 
community service, sports, and cultural events that help to foster a sense of pride and 
unity (Akpan, 2018). By doing so, they can help to build a stronger foundation for 
peace and reduce the likelihood of conflict.

·Providing alternative narratives: Youth can provide alternative narratives to violent 
extremism and promote peaceful and inclusive ideologies. They can use social media 
and other platforms to counter extremist messaging and promote messages of 
tolerance, diversity, and peace (Ezeibe & Umezinwa, 2020).

The role of youth in peacebuilding and conflict management in Southeast Nigeria can 
also be analyzed through the lens of participatory approaches to peacebuilding. 
Participatory approaches involve involving all stakeholders, including marginalized 
groups like youth, in decision-making processes related to peacebuilding and conflict 
management (Lederach, 1997). This approach emphasizes the importance of local 
ownership and sustainability of peacebuilding efforts, as well as the need for inclusive 
processes that take into account the needs and perspectives of all members of a 
community.

Youth can play a crucial role in participatory approaches to peacebuilding and conflict 
management by providing their unique perspectives, skills, and energy to peacebuilding 
efforts (Obi, 2012). They can serve as mediators, facilitators, and ambassadors for peace 
in their communities, and can help bridge divides between different groups. Youth can 
also contribute to conflict prevention efforts by engaging in dialogue and promoting 

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understanding between groups, as well as by identifying and addressing root causes of 
conflict.

Furthermore, youth-led peacebuilding initiatives have the potential to be more effective 
and sustainable than top-down approaches, as they are more likely to take into account the 
specific needs and concerns of young people and other marginalized groups (UNDP, 
2016). By empowering youth to take an active role in peacebuilding and conflict 
management, communities can build resilience and create a more peaceful and equitable 
society.

Overall, the role of youth in peacebuilding and conflict management in Southeast Nigeria 
is multifaceted and complex, and requires a comprehensive and participatory approach 
that takes into account the unique perspectives and contributions of young people. By 
leveraging the strengths and capabilities of youth, communities in Southeast Nigeria can 
build more sustainable and peaceful futures.

IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN 
PEACEBUILDING AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

Understanding the role of youth in peacebuilding and conflict management is crucial for 
several reasons. Firstly, youth constitute a significant proportion of the population in 
many conflict-affected regions, and their involvement in peacebuilding efforts can 
contribute to sustainable peace (Agbiboa, 2015). The world Bank (2018) added to this 
when it asserted that Youth represent a significant proportion of the population in many 
conflict-affected countries, and their engagement in peacebuilding can help prevent the 
recurrence of violence and promote social cohesion. Secondly, youth are often the most 
affected by conflict, with many being exposed to violence, displacement, and other forms 
of trauma. Engaging youth in peacebuilding efforts can provide them with opportunities 
to address the root causes of the conflict and promote healing and reconciliation (United 
Nations, 2015).

In addition, in the lenses of Agbiboa (2015), youth have unique perspectives and 
experiences that can contribute to more effective and sustainable peacebuilding efforts. 
Their perspective can act as complement the perspectives of older generations and 
contribute to more inclusive and sustainable peacebuilding outcomes (Barnes & Dovey, 
2018). They often have a deep understanding of the social, cultural, and political 
dynamics of their communities, and can therefore play a critical role in designing and 
implementing peacebuilding interventions that are context-specific and responsive to the 
needs of their communities.

Engaging youth in peacebuilding efforts can help to address the social and economic 
exclusion that often contributes to conflict. By providing young people with 
opportunities to participate in peacebuilding activities, they can develop important skills 
and networks that can contribute to their social and economic well-being, while also 
promoting social cohesion and community development (United Nations, 2015).

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FINDINGS
From the reviewed literature, it can be inferred that youth have the potential to play an 
important role in peacebuilding and conflict management in South-East Nigeria. 
Moussaoui and Adwan (2017), and Oduwole and Abiodun (2019) further corroborated 
this when they admitted that youth are often the most affected by conflicts and are also 
seen as the most active agents of change in building sustainable peace.
Furthermore, it has been found that the involvement of youth in peacebuilding and 
conflict management can have positive effects on inter-group relations, increase social 
cohesion, and promote sustainable development (Bajaj & de Souza, 2018; Hunte & 
Lashley, 2020). However, challenges such as youth marginalization, lack of access to 
resources, and political instability can hinder their participation in peacebuilding and 
conflict management efforts.

CONCLUSION
Peacemaking in Nigeria remains a critical issue, and there is a need for more effective and 
sustainable approaches to conflict resolution. The involvement of local communities and 
non-state actors, including young people, is essential for the success of peacemaking 
efforts in Nigeria. The study has contributed to the existing literature on peace-building 
and conflict management, particularly in the context of Nigeria. It highlighted the need to 
involve young people in peace-building efforts as well as how to promote their 
participation. The study findings is relevant to policymakers, civil society organizations, 
and other stakeholders involved in peace-building and conflict management in Nigeria. 
In general, the roles of youth in peacebuilding and conflict management are diverse and 
dynamic, and depend on various factors such as the context, the nature of the conflict, and 
the resources available. However, by engaging in these activities, youth can contribute 
significantly to building sustainable peace in South East Nigeria.

RECOMMENDATIONS
After considering several literatures and analysing the contents, the following 
suggestions are made by the paper:

1. Government and non-governmental organizations should prioritize youth inclusion 
in peace building and conflict management initiatives by providing resources and 
support to empower youth leaders and community-based organizations.

2. Efforts should be made to promote dialogue among different ethnic and religious 
groups in South-East Nigeria. Such dialogue can help to build trust, reduce 
misunderstandings, and promote peaceful coexistence.

3. Education and economic opportunities are critical factors in reducing poverty, which 
is often a root cause of conflict. Therefore, efforts should be made to increase access 
to education and economic opportunities for young people in South-East Nigeria.

4. Conflict resolution mechanisms, such as mediation and negotiation, should be 
strengthened and made more accessible to youth in South-East Nigeria. This can help 
to prevent conflicts from escalating and reduce the impact of existing conflicts.

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Youth should be involved in decision-making processes at all levels of government and 
civil society. This can help to ensure that their voices are heard and their perspectives are 
considered in policies that affect them.

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ISSN: 2786-9792

June 

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https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/fragilityconflictviolence/brief/youth-and-peacebuilding

