European Journal of Conflict Management

Influence of Socio-Ethnoreligious Violence Conflict in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Luka Odita Ashafa — 2023-12-23

Purpose: Crisis has become a recurrent phenomenon in Kaduna state. The state is arguably, said to have experienced more episodes of conflicts than most states in northern Nigeria. These violent conflicts have claimed the lives of many people and have led to loss of properties worth billions of naira. Jema’a local government area of Kaduna state arguably has experienced more violent conflicts than the whole state.

Materials and Methods: Qualitative method of research was adopted and In-depth Interview (IDI) and Key Informant Interview (KII) were administered to obtain valuable data from the participants in light of the purpose for the research and the data was analyzed with content analysis.

Findings: Notable among these violent conflicts are the 1987 college of education Gidan-Waya Crisis, the 1999 Jema’a Emirate tussle, the year 2000 Sharia law crisis, the 2011 post-election crisis and the protracted farmers-herders’ conflict. These conflicts have polarized the local government area on the basis of religion and ethnicity. Settlements choice, politics and political parties are made, practiced and created along ethno religious lines respectively. Identity politics especially on the basis of religion and ethnicity has ensured bitter animosity among the people living in the region.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: It is for this reason that this paper seeks to unearth the triggers of these crises from especially the victims’ perspective. Conflict triggers like religion, indigene and settlers’ issues, competition for political space, and the economy were found to be the core factors precipitating violent conflicts in Jema’a LGA area.

Terrorism and Banditry: Implications for Nigeria's Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity

Emmanuel Ugbedeojo Ameh — 2023-07-24

Purpose: This research examines the implications of terrorism and banditry on Nigeria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Methodology: Employing a content analysis approach and drawing from qualitative data from secondary sources, the study highlights the extensive ramifications of terrorism and banditry, encompassing loss of lives and property, displacement of people, economic disruption, damage to Nigeria's reputation, and political instability. The research underscores the urgency for the Nigerian government to take decisive action in addressing these challenges, fostering economic growth, rebuilding investor trust, and enhancing the country's image.

Findings: The research findings hold practical implications for policymakers and security agencies, urging a unified and comprehensive approach in confronting terrorism and banditry in Nigeria. The research underscores the significance of addressing the psychological impact on affected individuals by providing essential mental health support, facilitating their recovery, and fostering social cohesion. The Realist theory guides the study, emphasizing the prioritization of state security and interests in an anarchic international system, offering valuable insights into comprehending the implications of terrorism and banditry on Nigeria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Recommendations: To effectively combat terrorism and banditry, the study recommends reinforcing national security through increased funding, improved intelligence gathering and addressing socio-economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality through targeted policies. Emphasizing international cooperation and strengthening governance and accountability are identified as vital aspects in combating the cross-border nature of these threats. The recommended strategies offer a roadmap to effectively combat these security challenges, safeguarding Nigeria's stability, peace, and economic prosperity. By implementing these measures, practitioners can work towards restoring the nation's security, rebuilding confidence, and enhancing its position in the international community.

Dispute Resolution in Indigenous Communities in Colombia

Juana Castro — 2023-04-16

Purpose: This study aims to examine dispute resolution approaches in indigenous communities in Colombia.

Materials and Methods: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low-cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.

Results: The literature review on dispute resolution in indigenous communities reveals significant impacts, including changes in conflict management approaches, mediator roles and dispute outcomes. Indigenous mechanisms emphasize community values, identity and autonomy, influencing contemporary practices. However, integration also raises concerns about cultural preservation, land rights and self-governance. Balancing indigenous principles with state laws proves difficult. Strict adherence to community doctrines limits innovation while adaptations threaten cultural heritage.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study offers a unique contribution to understanding complex relationships between indigenous mediation, identity, governance and conflict resolution. It emphasizes the need for nuanced, balanced and progressive approaches enabling positive coordination of community interests with state responsibilities. The research contributes to theories of indigenous rights, cultural preservation and democratic inclusion by exploring how dispute resolution influences and is shaped by these concepts. It shows community doctrines can guide mediation methods promoting harmony, identity and autonomy, with important implications for diversity, equality and civil liberties. Practices must balance indigenous knowledge and state procedures, community governance and national authority. Mediators negotiate intricate relationships and trade-offs between indigenous principles and statutory laws. Policymakers need sensitive and thoughtful frameworks considering indigenous mediation within official policies and systems.

National Identity and Cohesion in Kenya: A Socio-Political Discourse

Gilbert Ng’eno — 2023-11-23

Purpose: In Kenya, the sense of national identity and unity, which is intricately intertwined with socio-political dialogue, scholarly works, and everyday conversations, profoundly impacts citizens' feelings of belonging, participation in national matters, and the nation's overall harmony and stability. This study addresses the subtly-avoided topic of national identity and cohesion in Kenya, highlighting its critical role in the nation's stability and advancement.

Methodology: The study triangulated secondary and primary data sources to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of national identity and cohesion. With a sample size of 15 individuals, primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews from a target population of key stakeholders, including policymakers, scholars, and community leaders and refugees. The research uses content analysis to examine the institutional, legal, and policy frameworks regulating national identity and cohesion, revealing significant gaps.

Key Findings: The research illustrates Kenya's laissez-faire approach towards national identity since independence, which has allowed refugees to assimilate without official government policy. This scenario poses potential risks to national cohesion. Despite policies granting residency to East African Community (EAC) citizens and citizenship to specific stateless individuals, the refugee and statelessness problem persists. A compelling segment of the study investigates various global and national integration strategies, including laissez-faire, residency, multiculturalism, and satyagraha. The use of Social Identity Theory provides valuable insights into the complexities of national identity and cohesion in Kenya. The research identifies the encampment policy, with its numerous challenges, as a significant threat to national identity and cohesion.

Recommendations: This study, underpinned by the Social Identity Theory, advocates for transformative measures. It suggests that Kenya should extend citizenship to all refugees and stateless individuals, and diligently uphold the 2010 Constitution, in line with the Supreme Court's interpretation, especially on the question of identity and cohesion. Such actions are crucial in nurturing a united, secure, and thriving Kenya. The research is a pressing call to action, and prompts Kenyans to engage in profound discourse about their identity and unity, urging them to reevaluate and reshape their viewpoints and policies. The study could shed light on the role of socio-political discourse in shaping national identities and fostering social cohesion.

Land and Boundary Conflicts in Russia and Former Soviet Countries

Ivan Semyonov — 2023-05-10

Purpose: This study examines the nature and resolution of land and boundary conflicts in Russia and former Soviet countries.

Results: The literature review on environmental mediation in Bolivia reveals significant impacts on conflict management, including changes in dispute resolution approaches, mediator roles and outcomes. Indigenous and community mechanisms emphasize land rights, resource control and livelihoods, influencing contemporary practices. However, integration also raises concerns about cultural identity, self-governance and ecological preservation. Balancing community principles with state environmental laws proves difficult. Strict adherence to indigenous doctrines limits innovation while adaptations undermine cultural identity.

Recommendations: This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of land and boundary conflicts in Russia and former Soviet countries by synthesizing existing literature and providing a comprehensive analysis of the drivers, patterns, and impacts of these conflicts. The study offers insights into the practical implications of land and boundary conflicts, including the need for effective governance, inclusive decision-making processes, and sustainable resource management. The findings can inform policymakers, practitioners, and scholars in developing strategies to address land and boundary conflicts, foster peacebuilding, and promote regional stability in the context of Russia and former Soviet countries. The study also identifies gaps and areas for further research, highlighting the complex and dynamic nature of land and boundary conflicts in this region.