Promoting Peace Through Dialogue and Political Solutions
Civil Liberty Organizations (CSOs), police, and other critical stakeholders in South East Nigeria have urged the Federal Government to prioritize non-kinetic approaches to complement efforts at addressing separatist agitations in the geopolitical zone.
This call was made during a one-day dialogue titled “Building Trust and Enhancing Civil-Military Relations in Nigeria’s South East Geopolitical Zone” held at Enugu on Monday. The dialogue was organized by the Security, Violence and Conflict Research Group (SVCRG), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in collaboration with the United States Institute for Peace (USIP).
Participants at the dialogue also called on the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu from incarceration to consolidate recent gains in restoring peace and security in South East Nigeria.
Professor Freedom Onuoha’s Presentation: Speaking to newsmen, the Coordinator of SVCRG, Professor Freedom Onuoha, said the call for Kanu’s release was based on research conducted by the group on the causes of insecurity and separatist agitations in South East. “SVCRG carried out a research on countering violent separatism and criminality in South East, and we found that the use of non-military dimensions, including the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, would guarantee peace and security in the zone,” he stated.
Professor Onuoha emphasized that separatist agitations persist due to local perceptions of injustice and continued detention of Kanu. To achieve sustainable peace, the Federal Government must address these concerns. He noted that the military approach used for years has failed to extinguish the flames of violent separatism. Instead, strategic dialogue with agitators and political concessions are advocated as more effective solutions.
He equally called on South East Governors to show sincere commitment in discussing with the Federal Government to implement political solutions for Kanu’s release, thereby stemming the tide of insecurity and violence in the region.
Addressing Root Causes and Strengthening Civil-Military Relations
Professor Chris Kwaja’s Remarks: The Country Director of USIP, Professor Chris Kwaja, represented by Programme Officer Terfa Hemen, called for strategic dialogue between the military and agitators to improve civil-military relations in South East. He urged South East Governors to listen to the people’s yearnings by constructively engaging with the Federal Government to adopt political solutions to the crisis.
Participants discussed several issues related to civil-military relations in the region and proposed measures to strengthen trust and collaboration between the military and local populations. These efforts aim to sustain recent progress in restoring normalcy to South East.
In his presentation titled “Insecurity, Separatist Agitation and Militarisation in South East,” the Director of the Institute for Peace, Security and Development Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Chukwuemeka Nwanegbo, attributed separatist agitations to governance failures in the region. He argued that the military approach adopted by the Federal Government transformed peaceful agitations into violent movements. Integrating freedom fighters into peace-building processes, he suggested, could lead to sustainable security and peace.
Professor Nwanegbo highlighted that insecurity has stalled development in South East, emphasizing the need to build trust and strengthen relations between civilians and the military to enhance regional security.
Princess Amaka Uzodinma’s Address: Addressing newsmen, the Head of Peace Building at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ South East Zonal Office, Princess Amaka Uzodinma, called on government agencies and stakeholders to engage youths in ethical value reorientation programs. She stressed the importance of such initiatives in discouraging a get-rich-quick mentality among young people.
She further urged both federal and state governments to initiate programs focused on youth empowerment and strategic engagement, recognizing the pivotal role of the younger generation in fostering stability and development.
Dr. Obioma Chike-Okenyi’s Contribution: Discussing the “Gender Impact of Separatist Agitation in South East,” Dr. Obioma Chike-Okenyi of the Institute for Peace, Conflict and Development Studies (IPCDS) at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), raised concerns about alleged sexual molestation of women by military personnel. She advocated for increased gender awareness campaigns targeting women affected by the conflict.
Dr. Chike-Okenyi urged appropriate authorities to diligently investigate any allegations of sexual harassment by security forces to gain the trust of the local population. This recommendation underscores the importance of accountability and sensitivity in civil-military interactions.
The dialogue highlights the urgent need for the Federal Government to shift focus from militarized responses to inclusive, non-kinetic strategies in addressing separatist agitations in South East. By engaging agitators, empowering youths, and prioritizing gender-sensitive policies, stakeholders aim to foster lasting peace, security, and development in the region.
