The Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA) recently hosted a conference, bringing together stakeholders to address the complex challenges facing West Africa. The event emphasized the need for unified efforts to promote lasting peace and effective conflict management in the region.
Keynote speaker Dr. Aderemi Ajibewa, Ambassadorial Fellow at the Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Nigeria, highlighted the root cause of instability in West Africa: its governance structure. Despite being rich in natural resources, the region faces "governance poverty," characterized by weak governance, political instability, corruption, and exploitation of resources, which fuel ongoing conflicts .
Dr. Ajibewa cited examples like Nigeria's Niger Delta, where oil wealth has led to environmental degradation and secessionist movements. He also discussed the rise of military coups, youth vulnerability, gender inequality, and religious radicalism as contributing factors to instability. To address these challenges, Dr. Ajibewa called for constitutional reforms and a renewed commitment to democratic governance, socio-economic development, and regional cooperation.
Another keynote speaker, Dr. Jana Krause, Professor at the University of Oslo, analyzed communal violence in Africa. She distinguished communal violence from other forms of violence, such as civil wars or election-related violence, and noted an apparent rise in communal violence across Africa over the past decade.
Dr. Krause's research highlighted the importance of understanding gender relations, supporting local peacebuilding efforts, and conducting further research to enhance prevention and resilience-building measures. She emphasized the need for context-specific strategies to address communal violence.
MIASA Director, Ghana, Prof. Grace Diabah, reinforced the need for action-oriented solutions, stating that dialogue must lead to tangible outcomes. She called for transparent electoral processes and citizen engagement to resolve disputes peacefully.
The conference emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing Africa's regional and global challenges. It highlighted the need for new conflict resolution approaches rooted in African cultural practices and human security. Ultimately, the conference concluded that peacebuilding requires collective effort, with every individual contributing through actions that uphold human dignity and justice.
By advocating for unified efforts to address West Africa's conflicts and promote lasting peace, MIASA is taking a crucial step towards creating a more sustainable and peaceful region.
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