More Weapons Won’t Solve Nigeria’s Security Crisis: A nearly $1 billion U.S. arms sale to the country will promote further violence.

The collaborated article analyzes the complexities associated with Nigeria insecurity scenario and explores peacebuilding interventions that transforms root causes of the deteriorating situations. Also, the policy opinion offers recommendations to both the Nigerian and the U.S. governments, in prioritizing contextual and community based or led approaches. Government’s responses must be holistic and strategic, aiming the wellbeing of the society. Published by Foreign Policy (August 18, 2022). Read more.

References in books and other publications: Newswire: Dangerous growth of violent groups confronts new Nigerian President, Revista de Prensa: More Weapons Won’t Solve Nigeria’s Security Crisis, Responsible Statecraft: Nigerian military’s forced abortions raise questions about US aid, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Will the Invasion of Ukraine Change Russia-Africa Relations?, AfricaNewsBriefs: FREEZE ON WEAPONS SALE TO NIGERIA OVER ‘ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCES’, New York Amsterdam News: Freeze on weapons sale to Nigeria over ‘enforces disappearances’, Book: Frieden und Sicherheit durch mehr Waffen?

Leading us in right paths: U.S.-NIGERIA POLICY

The policy brief highlights the fact that the U.S. response to Nigeria, as it faces multi-layered violent conflicts and armed actors threatening the nation’s unity, has primarily been to provide military assistance. This approach is counterproductive and has spawned additional violence. Therefore, it provides an overview of U.S.-Nigeria policy and suggests strategies to overcome violent conflicts through nonviolent peacebuilding and trauma initiatives. These kinds of programs will help lead to a healthy and peaceful Nigeria. Published by Mennonite Central Committee U.S. (Washington Memo, Volume L, No. 3, Fall/Winter 2018). Read more

Weaponized Peace Is Not Genuine Peace

The article offers an overview of distinction between human security and wellbeing. It affirms the importance of localized or community led approaches to transforming root causes of violence, which are unique to that context or community. Also, at the core of Nigeria’s many challenges is severed trust in relationships. Rather than prioritizing a military response, both the Nigerian and U.S. governments should focus their efforts on humanitarian assistance and support for local nonviolent alternatives that prevent violence and help to build bridges and trust. These nonmilitarized approaches would tackle root causes and lead to a more secure and healthy civil society. Published by ThirdWay (February 2, 2018). Read more

Would a peacebuilding strategy respond to Nigeria’s unanswered questions?

The article calls for a comprehensive strategy for building peace and reconciliation in Nigeria – and which puts local voices at the centre. Published by Peace Direct in peaceinsight.org (10 Oct 2014). Read more