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Bukola Dada
Seline Ekewek
REGIONAL OFFICE: NIGERIA: Suite S9, Vatan Plaza Lokogoma Junction, Abuja. Tel.: +2347025003543; +2347025003544
SOUTH AFRICA: 53, Kalypso Naivasha Road, Sunninghill Gauteng 2191 Tel.: +27619420421 africanpeacemag@gmail.com www.africanpeace.org ISSN 2360-8919
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FRICAN PEACE MAGAZIN
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EDITOR’S NOTE The passionate desire of African Peace Magazine is to ensure that Africa achieves Aspiration 4 of Agenda 2063 which has goal sets for “A peaceful and secure Africa” through the use of mechanisms that promote a dialoguecentered approach to conflict prevention and resolution. This desire is a walk towards the culture of peace and tolerance nurtured in African children and youths through peace education. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, which tracks conflict across the globe, in 2019, there were 21 600 armed conflict episodes in Africa, according to reports (up to 30 November). In the same period in 2018, the figure was only 15 874. This represents an increase of 36%, which has progressively increased in recent years.
Nonetheless, it is impossible to turn our continent into a theocratic one, where all matters are handled by God himself, spiritually. After God created us in his image and commanded us to rule over our environment, how much longer will we be a burden to Him? We may face further hardship until we recognize efficiency as the most important factor over region, religion, and clannishness. May God forbid that! In this edition, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON, Nigeria's Vice President, is primarily honored. In and out of his office, he is a Peacemaker and a Complete Gentleman. He is a humble man who is deeply committed to the project, Nigeria, and by extension Africa, as well as to God and humanity.
Armed conflict has posed to be Africa's biggest challenge in 2022. What can African leaders do to halt this downward trend? It is distressing to realize that armed conflict has prevented us from achieving socioeconomic development.
He is a prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a first-reiterate Professor and acknowledged authority in the Law of Evidence. It is admirable that he is committed to core values, has exceptional advocacy and oratory skills, and consistently expresses a unique love for service and humanitarian issues.
Conflicts in Africa are a key cause of underdevelopment and are detrimental to the economy and society. Conflicts contain cultural components relating to ethnicity or religion, but there are underlying economic factors as well.
African Peace is particularly impressed by his devotion to excellence in all he does, a quality he has brought to governance in the conduct of public affairs.
Major Root causes include political, economic, and social inequalities; extreme poverty; economic stagnation; poor government services; high unemployment rate; environmental degradation; and individual (economic) incentives to fight. To reduce the likelihood of wars, it is critical to foster inclusive development, minimize inequities between groups, and combat unemployment through national and international control of illicit trade. Unfortunately, many people have died as a result of unnecessary wars and conflicts. May the souls of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, rustling, and armed robbery victims rest in peace.
Even while the administration has done a good job of combating corruption and insurgency, the economy is still in a bad shape, with Nigerians yearning for jobs, shelter, and roofs over their heads, food on their tables, and many other democratic dividends. Regardless, we remain optimistic that more positives be accomplished in the remaining months left. As a result of this affirmation, Nigerians should hold on to the belief that the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket will spring surprises and deliver better effective governance before the end of their term.
Noah Ajare
Editor - in - Chief
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OFFICE
OF THE
VICE PRESIDENT
OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
T
he office of the vice president has an underwhelming past, though persons holding the position are elected alongside the President the majority of the people believe they are president-in-waiting, should the president die or become disabled. They believe they are only to give advice for the president, stand in the gap when the president is not available more like an idle position until they are needed. Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who is the current Vice President of the country in the past few years has changed the belief and made Nigerians see a new light on this position. He defied this normal expectation by spearheading several projects aimed at making life a bit easier for people in a country where daily existence is hard. He stated in one of his quotes that "No matter how much you pray or fast, our country cannot grow without some of us deciding to do the hard work that makes the nation work". He is ready to work for the better good of ordinary Nigerians, for whom he is a voice, and using his office as the Vice President to make life better. In his role as Vice President, he made a significant impact on virtually every important agenda item of this administration, including the Social Investment Program (SIP), Economic Sustainability Program (ESP), Micro Small Medium Enterprise Clinics, and the government's technology and innovation programs.
His Excellency
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo
Consider the ESP. This initiative was developed by the Vice President and a committee assembled by the President to protect the economy from the harmful effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The VP was asked to chair the committee by the same President. So far, about half a million people have benefited from the Payroll Support component of the plan, as well as many others such as craftsmen and the Business Formalization Support Track of the Survival Fund under the ESP. In all, over 1.5 million beneficiaries will be impacted. The Osinbajo-led team announced a Cash Transfer Scheme for the most vulnerable, supported through a technology-based method called the Rapid Response Register, with ambitions to provide N5,000 monthly cash transfers to one million households for six months.
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The Social Investment Programs (which were overseen by the Vice President's Office until 2019) benefited approximately 12 million direct recipients across the country, including the Homegrown School Feeding Program in 35 states, which fed 9.9 million students. More than 107,000 chefs are employed. Think of the jobs created for the cooks, the market created for the farm products, the added nutrition to the school kids, and the enhanced school enrolments. Since the creation of the ESP which is chaired by Prof Osinbajo, the ESP, through different components like the Survival Fund, Social Housing, Agriculture schemes, etc., has helped Nigeria to exit recession and effectively respond to the fallout of the global pandemic. These and many more impacts did he make to change the status quo of the office of the Vice President and its duties. There are so many development-based initiatives that can help the country tackle economic and security challenges in the country.
In one of his speeches at a virtual forum where he interacted with Nigerian Fellows of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, he advised them to take action by being active agents in making the change they so desired. In his words, “without public office I would have remained a pressure group activist, I would have done some nice things, but I wouldn’t have been able to make the changes that my country required". He further stated that “African nations and especially our country, cannot afford to have its best minds and most committed social activists remain only in the civil space" Politically, the Vice president maintains a stance on unity and the benefits that thrive on it. At one of the conferences, with elder statesmen in attendance, he said “A political party is only a microcosm of society, with all its features- good and flawed. Just as you cannot reasonably opt-out of society because of some of your flawed neighbors, so you should not abandon the business of shaping your present and indeed your future because you don’t like the profiles of some of the characters you have to deal with. So being involved and getting others involved is crucial”. Summarily, the standard of togetherness, and progressiveness is his watchword. This makes it easy to highlight VP Osinbajo’s commitment and dedication towards peace and unity, as a consistent one. AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 9
From the
DESK of
PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO While I was teaching at the University of Lagos, as a young lecturer, in the department of Public Law in the Faculty of Law, there were 3 typists in the department. The chief typist, senior typist, and the junior typist. Because in those days before laptops and personal computers, typists in universities had to do a lot of work and they were very important because you always needed to type all your materials. When there was work to do, what l discovered was that the chief typist would disappear. He works only till 4 pm. The senior typist would be nowhere to be found. But a gentleman called Adereni the junior typist, who only had his school certificate, was remarkably hardworking. Sometimes I would drop him off at his home at 1am. Years after I was working as an adviser to the then Attorney-General of the Federation Hon. Bola Ajibola, who later became a judge of the World Court. While in the court at The Hague, in the Netherlands, one day he called me and asked if I could recommend a good secretary who is hard working and could do long judgments. I had three options, chief typist, senior or this junior typist, but the junior typist at a time had only school certificate, he didn’t have any other qualification but l choose him. He got to the Hague, and typically worked hard and diligently. Every judge in the court wanted him to work with them. He later moved his family over to the Hague and got degrees and made a good living for himself. One day he remembered me and actually sent me a car. Remember, whether you are hardworking or diligent in what you are doing or not, someone is always watching. AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 10
QOUTES Of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo
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"I think, first, we must admit that we are frequently in a classic conundrum. We find many gifted, accomplished and remarkable Nigerian individuals and professionals across all walks of life all over the world.”
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“There is a clear mismatch between our individual quality and our national outcomes. We have not yet become greater than the sum of our individual selves. It is this paradox of individual genius and collective underperformance that we must now break"
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WHY SHOULD
WORKPLACE CULTURE MATTER TO YOU?
INTRODUCTION First and foremost, the concept of culture was first introduced by Elliott Jaques in the organisational context in his 1951 book ‘The Changing Culture of a Factory’. The book was a published report of "a case study of developments in the social life of one industrial community between April 1948 and November 1950". The "case" involved a publiclyheld British company that engaged principally in the manufacturing, sales and servicing of metal bearings. The study concerned itself with the description, analysis, and development of ‘corporate group behaviours’. Having served under several CEOs in private organisations in the last 8 to 10 years and as a 200-per cent lover of Human Resources and Management, four (4) questions that keep reoccurring in my heart are: þ Why do CEOs behave the way they behave and most times very different from what they refer to as their organisational culture and/or their core values? þ What does an average African/a Nigerian man or woman, a working-class person thinks about the workplace culture…? Does it matter to them before accepting to work in any organisation?
success stories, what are their secrets? DEFINITION OF CULTURE Culture is referred to as the set of shared beliefs, values, norms, social behaviours, attitudes etc that are acceptable in any environment. The culture of an organisation is totally different to its vision and mission. The vision of an organisation refers to what you want to achieve over time, how your company can help to change certain things through its activities or services. While the mission is how you intend to go about achieving your vision. Culture is the core value that guides team member’s behaviour from time to time, the way and manner they execute their work and/or achieve organisational goals. HERE ARE 5 TOP REASONS WHY CULTURE SHOULD MATTER TO YOU: 1) Culture positions you in the right company A well-defined culture makes an organisation a talent magnet for the right people. The opposite benefit is that it also repels the wrong people. You attract who you are.
þ Why should culture in general and that of an organisation matter to you and me? þ To CEOs and organisations who are thriving, doing amazingly and recording mind-blowing
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“
Why do CEOs behave the way they behave … ?
So, if you believe in modelling the right values, you should automatically be on the lookout for an organisation that has the same values. It’s a little too difficult to function effectively when you are the best worker operating in the wrong environment. Give it time, the atmosphere will begin to weigh you down in keeping up with doing the good work you are known for. You’ll function more efficiently in an environment filled that is with likeminded team members.
2) Workplace culture will help you deliver better and expected results When you understand the culture of where you work, it will aid you in following up with their strategies, goals, tasks etc, and thereafter you will accomplish better results. When you ignore culture and you happen to be in an establishment where innovation is hardly allowed, it will put your creative abilities in peril. If you don’t understand and care about the culture of where you work, your ability to deliver expected results will significantly dwindle.
3) Because it upsurges your motivation The science of motivation has repeatedly proved that money is not a primary motivator. According to Bersin on Deloitte, 95% of employees say that culture is more important than compensation. Let’s say I agree with what they said...
“
Give it time, the atmosphere will begin to weigh you down in keeping up …
For instance, companies like Shell and Deloitte pay some bonuses to their workers to the extent you can’t help but think of becoming a part of their workforce. But the truth is, no matter how long you receive such from any organisation you belong to, if you have to violate your conscience at some point while discharging your duties, those who understand their true worth will someday take a bow and kiss it all goodbye, knowing that leaving a good legacy is always better than amassing wealth.
4) Because it is the bedrock of meaningful and fulfilling employersworkers engagement It is a fact that some organisations’ toplevel management hardly engage their workers’ but if you want your values to be fully recognised and realised, you have to thrive to belong to organisations where the teamwork culture is fully encouraged. You engage workers by allowing innovation and creativity, healthy interactions with one another, by being able to welcome their ideas, inputs etc towards achieving organisational goals from time to time.
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desirable for all of us, but it is essential to leaders if they are to lead.”
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You can only be in control if you understand what is expected of you from time to time
In conclusion, you and I are leaders one way or another. We have to be conscious of our attitudes and the cultures we align ourselves to because others often look up to us.
According to Tony Dovale, “Even the best mindset will become contaminated and eventually blunted in a toxic organisational culture.” So, to contribute significantly to society, it is paramount you belong to an establishment that has your interests at heart and equally has the best suitable working environment. You can only know these by paying attention on workplace culture.
5) It will help in managing you – it will help to control your actions and overall behaviour You can only be in control if you understand what is expected of you from time to time. Knowing the culture of where you are will help to put your actions in check so you don’t go out of line. Understanding your company culture and yet behaving in the opposite direction puts you in a bad light and I’m sure no good worker who desire to go far in life will want to be known as such.
I encourage us to pay more attention to our cultures in general and/or core values because it is the bedrock for success in all we do. Tony Dovale says, “ReThink culture because it is the foundation of all strategic success.” No matter your organisational strategies for growth and success, it takes team members who understand your workplace culture to bring them to accomplishment. And the more we begin to pay attention to who we are, the values and cultures we embrace and exhibit, the more we are committed to giving our best, instead of living a self-centred life and/or ‘anything-goes' kind of life, the more we are committing to #peace #harmony and meaningful #development wherever we find ourselves.
According to Edgar Schein, “The bottom line for leaders is if they do not become conscious of the cultures in which they are embedded, those cultures will manage them. Cultural understanding is
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VIVIAN NZE
vivyane.nze208@gmail.com
WHO Is the most QUALIFIED
?
Authed by: Nympha C. Nzeribe nymphanzeribec@gmail.com
Perfection has always been a context being strived to be attained, every single day both consciously and otherwise. However, it seems really like a battle for the fact, which in fact, should not be the situation. In almost every personal Life, Career & Relationship battle, the underlying quest is always. "The perfect way to win this" and perfection in this context, has put avoidable pressure on many, leading to the most realistic but unpalatable effects experienced in a person's life. Periodically and in diverse
?
environments, there is always a subtle competition evident in the air because deep down, everybody feels perfect and every individual's thought and the process seems completely worthy. There are absolutely no half measures when it comes to an average individual's feeling about himself- ignorantly or otherwise. But, who is even the most qualified?
I ask this question because a lot goes on in the field of competence; a lot happens within the authentic confines of reality and this is the reason there are always distinctions in value, differences in the ways individuals operate in their various worth, and also a clear mandate designed separately for individuals. That is why to expose my ideology at the end of the day, there is no over or under qualification when it comes to being a part of the human existence because to each, is given a measure, proportionate to his abilities and compatibility with the universe and that is also why everyone can neither go through same experience nor do the same thing, the same way. Just probably, 'variety' is the expected qualification, after all, and this same 'variety' is ultimately seen in one's capability to embrace changes as it comes, to accept the innate differences in every individual and adjust to circumstances as they advance or transit. And Variety, as a matter of utmost importance should be duly embraced as a tool for adding some essence to your individuality, in preparedness for inevitable life events such as; earning an income, getting married, having a child, securing your health, migration, etc. Finally, do not fight, for the sake of subtle competition between you and your human counterparts just to attain a certain qualification or more because there is no such thing as "more perfect" than another. Rather, align your consciousness towards assortments of genuineness because it is better to engage an array of quality options which may involve collaborations and creative partnerships, than to compete for perfection's interest, to enable you to run your life according as you should, without fear of exposing your abilities as more or less. But then, ensure that your abilities remain significant and worthy of the alliance.
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Introducing
NIKITA NKESE
x
Creative Director Sweetest Kiddies Empire
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF? My name is Nikita Nkese, Creative Director of Sweetest Kiddies Empire, a seasoned educationist, writer, proofreader, Child's Rights Activist, international judge for The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, and an author of a bestselling children's book - My Childhood. TELL US ABOUT YOUR EARLY EDUCATION? I attended Hillside International School, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. It was a school owned and ran by a Britian who married a Nigerian Mrs. Rosemary Uwemedimo. I later proceeded to DeWis College, Calabar. TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED IN WHAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY DOING? Sweetest Kiddies Empire actually started out as a small business of making Nigerian cloths for children. In the process of continuous interaction
with families, I noticed a challenged that needed to be worked on - most children, teens and young peoples’ selfesteem was low. That's when I began Sweetest Kiddies Spelling Bee in 2017, across states in Nigeria. Sweetest Kiddies Spelling Bee inculcates into the Nigerian Child the skills to spell, pronounce words, build their selfconfidence and public speaking abilities.
warring factions is to actualise a condition of relative peace. In the words of Machiavelli, "without chaos, there is no peace" To me, peace can be a natural or manmade condition which subsumes a significant state of rest of the mind, tranquil environment for positive growth and cooperative involvement amongst societal members for overall development.
In 2019, Sweetest Kiddies Sanctuary was birth. This is an arm of Sweetest Kiddies Empire that speaks hope and healing to children who have been sexually, physically, mentally, psychologically abuse and otherwise.
TELL US ABOUT WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY.
WHAT DOES PEACE MEAN TO YOU? Peace is not just the absence of war, rather, it is an indispensable frame of reference whereby human desires and all-natural pursuits are predicted upon. Even in times of war and difficulties, the muchneeded result from the
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Lots of things makes me happy because I'm a lady who sees good in every situation. One thing stands out for me though, every time a teenager calls or message me that he/she took a stand against wrong after reading my book, it gladdens my heart that I have been able to impact the next generation positively.
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without chaos, there is no peace
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE BEST STRATEGY TOWARDS PROMOTING PEACE IN NIGERIA AND AFRICA? Peace can only be promoted in Nigeria and Africa at large, if justice and equity is served evenly and fairly. In Nigeria, for instance, while certain groups are asking for peace through true federalism and even distribution of political position at the center, others are pursuing peace via banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and religious intolerance. To me, 'let love lead' as well as 'give to every individual his due' should be the rational modalities guiding our disposition in enhancing socio-political tranquillity within Nigeria. Africa should ensure that justice, equity and oneness thrive in all its country and within the grassroot polity. This will further bud and blossom into a conducive milieu both intra/international where independent
African countries could proudly see and accept each other as development partners rather than the current conception of competitive rivalry. DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAUSE OF PEACE. IF YES, WHAT IS YOUR BEST APPROACH TO CONFLICT RESOLUTION? By God's grace, I'll say, yes. One approach I often use, is to point out the common ground for the parties involved. Using the ‘6 & 9’ illustration, I help them to see that if only we can open our minds and listen to each other, we'll certainly come to a better understanding of the situation at hand.
of economic and sociopolitical importance. Nobody is going to hand leadership positions to them unless they build capacity for it. Focus. Consistency and love for God and humanity. These are the most important virtues that have stood me out and got me an appreciation letter from The Royal Commonwealth Society, London headed by Queen Elizabeth II. No matter what is happening around them, women should stay focus and be consistent in their assignment. Another person's success should inspire and not incur their jealousy.
As a woman and a leader, what advice do you have for women everywhere who aspire to be like you? Women need to come to the full understanding that they are indispensable force in the natural scheme of event as well as in issues
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“
'let love lead' as well as 'give to every individual his due
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE INITIATIVE? African Peace Magazine initiative is an applaudable project. The quality of services they render in ensuring that Africans are exposed to right and timely information is commendable. IT HAS OFTEN BEEN SAID THAT AFRICA CAN FEED THE WORLD BUT INSECURITY AND INTERNAL STRIFE HAS AFFECTED OUR ABILITY TO HARNESS OUR AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES, WHAT CAN WE DO TO ADDRESS THIS SITUATION? I have said it before without ambiguity and I'll say it again unequivocally, insecurity and strife be it internally or externally driven, is birthed and indirectly nourished through the absence of equal opportunities, justice and the prevalence of marginalization and oppressive modalities which are propagated at the expense of the
majorities who are considered by the elites to be minions and second class citizens.
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Foreign and domestic policies at all levels should be engineered… are evenly distributed
With such negative and retrogressive ideology, revolutionary actions of strife, acrimony and insecurity becomes common placed cankerworm that will remain to destroy the very fabric of peace within Africa. With reference to feeding the world, how can that be possible when devoted farmers are seen to be struggling for their rights and justice from the society as herds men from the Sahel continue to ravage and destroy flourishing farmlands across the country and most part of the continent at large. Apart from the spill over effect of this affront between herders and farmers which sometimes end in shedding of
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blood, the destruction of farmlands and blossoming yields by cattle on its own remains enough discouragement for most individuals to devotedly commit themselves to industrial /commercial farming. This is further worsen by certain draconian policies ridden with ulterior interest to further perpetuate open grazing in this jet age where ranching is practiced. Foreign and domestic policies at all levels should be engineered in a way that societal resources such as capital, opportunities, etc are evenly distributed to where its most needed. African Development Bank, IMF, and other international fund transfer agencies should play down on their capitalistic drive in enslaving African countries with financial debt burden. They should rather, assist these arable African countries with technological transfer to boost their agricultural investment effort.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NGO, IF ANY. My NGO is Sweetest Kiddies Empire. I founded it in 2015 primarily to ensure the holistic development and well-being of the Nigerian Child. The organization has 4 arms: Sweetest Kiddies Spelling Bee, Sweetest Kiddies Sanctuary and Sweetest Kiddies Summer Program.
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Sexual abuse of children under the age of 17 has become an everyday occurrence in Nigeria
1. Sweetest Kiddies Spelling Bee inculcates into the Nigerian child the love for reading, spelling of words and their correct pronunciations, and most importantly, build their self confidence and public speaking skills. Sweetest Kiddies Spelling Bee currently runs in 3 states in Nigeria since 2017. Akwa Ibom State, Cross River State and Ebonyi state.
We have been featured in a national Newspaper https://www.sunnewsonl ine.com/bright-pupilsshine-at-ebonyispelling-bee-contest/ 2. Sweetest Kiddies Sanctuary: This arm of the Empire addresses the high rate of child abuse in Nigeria. Sexual abuse of children under the age of 17 has become an everyday occurrence in Nigeria. Sweetest Kiddies Sanctuary provides succour and counseling to the victims. We have been featured in a National Newspapers. https://www.sunnewsonl ine.com/why-rape-ofminors-is-on-rise/ 3. Sweetest Kiddies Summer Program: This runs during the summer break. Children from the ages of 4 - 16 years are taught musical instruments, Cursive Writing, Literacy, Numeracy, baking and sewing skills. 4. Sweetest Kiddies Kids Can Sing: This arm of the organization teaches children how to play
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musical instruments and voice training. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FUTURE PLANS. My future plans includes establishing a citadel of academic excellence comprising of nursery and high school. I am also certain that with God's hands and direction on my life, I will be the governor of Cross River State in due season. WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? A lot of persons inspires me. I read a lot of autobiographies of world leaders, people in business and other facet of life. Nonetheless, some persons stands out for me, the selfless life of Late Mary Mitchell Slessor. The giving life of Ellen Degeneres, the 'not-give-up' drive of Oprah Winfrey, The integrity nature of Angela Merkel, The meekness of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi and the silent achieving nature of Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade.
“ In all, have come this far in life and still going places by God's grace because my dad, Pst Dr. Orok Bassey Okon inculcated into my siblings and I, the right virtues from childhood.
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WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT ON PEACE BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT? Let Love Lead! WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS AS OF TODAY? Everytime I step out in public, I am met with at least one person who tells me, we have been following your work on Social media and I am so grateful for the hope you are giving to this generation.
One event stands out for me, recently at Calabar in an event, Mr. Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River State was in attendance. As I approached him and told him my name, he said in exclamation - So you are that Nikita Nkese, well done in all you do." HOW DO WE DEAL WITH BRAIN DRAIN AND THE SUDDEN INCREASE IN MIGRATION? Education! Education!! Education!!! We simply have to improve the quality, standard of education and citizenship orientation. When education is improved upon, the midterm and long-term effects will spill into other sectors. In the midterm, creation of job opportunities
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and conducive work environment amidst others while in the long run, there will be accountability, value creation and mindset evolution. Of course, there are several other things, but I believe education (including citizenship Education) is a very vital key in solving the problem of brain drain and sudden increase in migration. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR THE AFRICAN YOUTHS WITH REGARDS TO THEIR ROLE IN PEACE BUILDING AND ALL-ROUND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA? No one can build Africa but us. No more of "being future leaders!" Now is the time to build the bridges, right the wrongs and strive for progress.
What i feared most as a child Article by
Temitayo Ajibade
It was late in the night sometimes ago, it was at a time of consistent conflict and disagreement, so everyone was always at alert, anything that can happen is in the subconscious of everyone. So we get ready for any emergency. A friend of my parents came that night, they discussed some things though not loud I could not understand not until later but I guess it was an intelligence report because after then I heard my parents arguing that we all leave the community for a safer environment. My parents looked out for us, we are always close with them during these times and we heard rumors too that some people are about to start some religious riots. This fateful day, my mum took us to school, we sang and marched to our classes, most students had been warned by their parents to be careful in school and everyone is prepared except us or let me say me.
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“So I will be slaughtered like a goat?” I thought within me.
At about noon, we heard noises outside, my class teacher who was busy writing since we got to school, quickly peeped outside that was the last I saw of her for over 3 days. She disappeared and the rest of the class followed her escape tactics I saw a marmot crowd running towards my school, they destroyed the barbed wire fence, climbed on them, and ran out through the first gate (my school was the shortest route to safety). I was perplexed, immediately I urinated on my body. “So I will be slaughtered like a goat?” I thought within me. In microseconds, I found myself by the school gate, and then I remembered my kid brother, I started crying out loud because I could not see him and the thought of waiting and
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looking for him was scary meanwhile my school was spinning. I waited till every single soul was not in sight by now my uniform was soaked in tears, I prayed and confessed my sins in case they come for me, at least I can find solace with God, then I saw someone coming from afar, I thought it was my brother but as he drew closer, I realized it was Chike, (the boy no mother wants to see around her child) because of his persistent stealing, he got the golden opportunity to steal, went to the market and took as much as his hands could carry. The moment I saw no hope in seeing my younger brother and saw no one coming again, I had no choice but to go home. I ran as quickly as my feet could carry me, I got home and I found no one but the Television playing songs from our favorite movie and scattered slippers around, I was lost in thought, what could have happened. Yes! Your guess is right, everybody ran towards safety leaving them.
Later my uncle showed up and took me to the police station, I learned he went to my school to check on me, on reaching the police station, I met a pilgrim-sized massive crowd, some crying while others praying. I later saw my mother with my brother (the one I was looking for) and my two other brothers. She had cried her eyes out. I got a sense resetting slap when I got closer and a warm hug after then she said, I warned you to run to safety in cases like this and never look or wait for anyone.
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When people have differing wants, attitudes, or interests, the potential for conflict arises
We later realized what we felt was riot was not it, just some set of guys trying to kill a snake with cutlass and sticks. Some people saw it from afar and felt they had started a riot and raised a false alarm.
If such a mild issue could leave a whole community in disarray, how much more when there is a real conflict and disasters? As I grew older, I sometimes ask myself what are the causes of conflicts and how do we stay in a society free of conflicts and wars? I dreaded it a lot and I mostly stay far away from what will cause it among friends, at the workplace, at home, in the society, state, in the Country, and the continent as a whole. There is this adage popular among my people that we only know the beginning of conflicts but no one knows how it will end, it may end without hurt but some end disastrous, we should not start one and avoid anything that can bring about it. One thing we try to shy away from about conflicts and wars is the fact that any damages it is causing are going to be permanent most especially when it is caused to the lives of inhabitants. There is no peace because everyone becomes suspicious of
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one another, if there is noise somewhere, we think it is a new one about to start, trust is broken sometimes. In most cases, we need to understand the stage a conflict has gotten to before resolution and reconciliation between partners can be worked out. There are Latent conflict stages, Emergence, Escalation, (Hurting) Stalemate, DeEscalation, Settlement/Resolution, Post-Conflict Peace building, and Reconciliation. These stages are explained according to Brahm as follows: When people have differing wants, attitudes, or interests, the potential for conflict arises; this is the "latent" conflict stage. The conflict may not become visible until a "triggering event" causes the obvious conflict to emerge (or begin). The emergence of the conflict then occurs and this can be immediately followed by settlement or resolution, or it can be quickly followed by escalation, which can be extremely harmful.
However, escalation cannot go on indefinitely. De-escalation can be one-time or part of a larger trend toward resolution or settlement. Escalation may also result in a stalemate, in which neither side can win. If the cost of prolonging the fight outweighs the cost of maintaining the confrontation, the parties are in a "hurting stalemate," which Zartman describes as "a perfect moment for negotiation and a prospective resolution." Finally, peacebuilding efforts aim to rebuild damaged relationships if and when an agreement is reached. There are times we never saw it coming and it eventually happens, how do we control and resolve it, because conflicts don't just come
and before it becomes violent there are some factors that have contributed to the escalation. Before the conflict gets to the hurting statement or in settling the conflict, what should be done? In conflict resolution, Walensteen drew some theoretical mechanisms drawn from the works of Lewis A. Closer, Johan Halting, and Thomas Schelling. ? A change in priorities for one of the conflicting parties may allow peacebuilding. While it is uncommon that a party changes its essential positions, it can show a change into what it gives the most elevated need.
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? The contentious resource is split into two parts. In essence, this means that both opposing parties have shifted their priorities to some level, allowing for some sort of "meeting the other side halfway" agreement. ? Horse-trading between rivals. This means that one party gets their demands met on one subject while the other their demands are met on another. ? The parties agree to share control of the challenged resource and to rule it jointly. It could be a longterm solution or a temporary arrangement for
a transition phase that results in the problem being resolved. This is what I refer to as "equal control," both parties have agreed on this model based on past peacebuilding experiences. · The parties have agreed to delegate control to another party. The principal parties agree (or accept) that a third party will control the contested resource in this process. · The parties use dispute resolution processes such as
arbitration or other legal procedures to resolve their differences. This entails devising a procedure for settling the disagreement in one of the five ways previously stated, but with the extra benefit of taking place outside of the parties' immediate control. Like going through an oath or using a legal document to back agreement up and any breach in this may lead to. · Issues can be postponed till a later date. The
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notion is that political situations and popular sentiments change with time, and some topics benefit from being postponed since their importance fades with time. Conflicts and squabbles between people never end. Never argue if you don't agree with the other person; instead, attempt to work out your differences. Rather than fights, discussions are always a better and wiser option. This applies to societies, individuals, or parties.
BE-ING With FORMS
And
STRUCTURES Nympha C. Nzeribe nymphanzeribec@gmail.com
Isn't it amazing that we get to live in diverse but uniquely designed patterns too? The terms of every universal action and practice are embedded in the various elements of existence, starting with the union of the physical senses, spiritual perceptions, and secular smartness. The totality of our becoming lies in activating and maximizing the authenticity of these structures for our relevant visibility and navigation through life. The rule of adequacy is such that has been created by providence, to put in check, its structures and forms. Notice that every alteration in these checks results in adverse variations and in worst cases, disasters. Still, these abnormalities remain a part of the already intended actions because, timing has a way of bringing to fulfillment, the organized conceptions and descendant resolutions of the universe and this is to say that nothing happens without permission from its roots and design. That is why human features and traits can be traced to the generations before and beyond and even some, re-lived. You would also agree with me that in reality, there are backdrops responsible for every cause; happenstance that connects all the duties of humans on earth and a stage where all these enigmatic performances are visible. Little wonder in Williams Shakespeare's pastoral comedy, 'As You Like It', he coins, at the beginning of the monologue, that, "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages." Truthfully, it is the drama that keeps our essence intact. The limit between sunrise and sunset is the prescriptive space where the manifestation of the actuality of the polities in life is evident. 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day, 7days in a week, many distinct but universally structured days that make each month, and months in a year. The sequence of productivity, of dependence on one's strengths and capabilities, of sustenance, of consistencies, and consequences, is moved by the chain of the combinations of these constant originations. There is no such thing as an existence without structure and this is seen in the cohesiveness of life and its components. All things work together, simultaneously to magnify the constituents of ALL the options obvious in the universal scenery. Therefore, the call to experience life as you've been designed in it is expedient; not neglecting the opportunities for advancement and refurbishment, as life in its totality, advances. AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 35
AND YOUTHS PEACEBUILDING
IN AFRICA THE QUESTION IS, HOW DO WE ENABLE YOUTHS TO BE ACTIVE AGENTS OF PEACE?
T
he Youths in Africa as agents of conflicts rather than peace in society have been the major focus of many articles and literature in then push. A lot pointed to how they are instigated to cause violence and destruction in their communities. According to statista, (2020), the median age of the African Population is 19.7years with 65% of the population as young people. It is becoming increasingly more important to focus on how they should be seen as agents of peace, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, and advocates of social cohesion.
Each year more than 10million African Youth enter the labour market but just about 25% of formal jobs are created annually. With the rampant and staggering youth unemployment and the majority not satisfied with the performance of their governments, a lot of them have gotten restless and tensions have grown around. With no possible solution or attempts to get a reform, conditions of their restlessness may lead to possible instability and conflict. There is a popular opinion that perpetrators of evil capitalize on these situations to instigate one group against another. They find the idle ones, entice them with something which will solve their problems temporarily. With all of these in the continent of Africa, a larger percentage of youths have not chosen the path of violence rather they are advocates of a better environment for all. Youth-led protests, dialogues, and activities are organized to promote peace, increase improved security and also bring about political stability around them. In conflict resolution and peacebuilding, the majority of youths are at the work of reforming peace. For instance,
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The National Partnership of Children and Youth Peacebuilding (NPCYP), a Conglomerate of Congolese organizations in Goma which is using arts to promote peace and coexistence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sports are also being used to build peace and mutual trust among warring tribes in South Sudan. It sees to this to stop the intercommunal violence related to cattle rustling and abduction of women and children. Nigeria also has the Center for Equality and Equity which provides online courses for youth and engaging in dialogue which is aimed at reducing interreligious violence. It targets youths between the ages of 1829 and challenges them to understand each other cultures and learn about different languages and religions. Youths can also be involved in active participation in governance and accountability. Some
groups in some countries in Africa are taking measures to get youths engaged. The "Not too young to run bill" in Nigeria for instance made it open for active participation of youths in governance removing the constraint of age in participation The Kenyan Open Governance institute which is empowering youth, women, and civil society groups to participate directly at the local level is also another avenue. The Kanema District Youth Coalition uses participatory videos to encourage dialogue among youths in Sierra Leone on the issue of governance with the network movement for justice and development. Educating the youth on elections and governance in a bid to understand the power of their numbers and how they can leverage this for positive change. The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) in South Africa
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sees the promotion of greater youth participation which will cultivate ethical and adaptive leadership traits in the next generation of African leaders. Peacebuilding and conflict should move past the stage of the signing of the agreement but efforts should also involve social change and active efforts to ensure improved security. Conflict is better brought to rest by exploring the energy of its primary agents and channeling it to something positive. Conclusively, activities and structures geared towards youths participating in peacebuilding should be put in place, if they can be instigated into starting conflicts and instability, actions can also be taken to channel their strength into other activities. But then investment in the children and youths in other to be successful in Micro and Macro levels should be prioritized.
Additional Resourses Daniel Agbiboa. “Youth as Tactical Agents of Peacebuilding and Development in the Sahel,” Journal of Peacebuilding & Development, Vol. 10 (3), September 2015. William Avis, “Increasing Youth Participation in Accountability Mechanisms,” GSDRC Applied Knowledge Services, Helpdesk Research Report, August 2015. Relief web (2021) African youth engaging in peace and security.
Article by
Temitayo Ajibade AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 38
P hoto SPLASH
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Exclusive
Interview
With MARYAM Sarki Abubakar
ABOUT MY EDUCATION. My
names
are
WHAT IS PEACE BASED ON MY
MARYAM
SARKI
PERCEPTION
ABUBAKAR from Kano state, Nigeria. I
To me, peace is more than tranquillity,
did my primary school at Triumph
absence of violence, freedom from fear.
Nursery
and
Peace is an integral part of the
secondary at Pajec International School in
achievement and development. Without
Kano State. I graduated from Kano State
peace, nothing is achievable anywhere,
Polytechnic, where I studied National
anytime.
and
Primary
School
Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Computer Science. I proceeded with PGD
WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY?
in
What makes me happy is to see people I
computer
science
from
Bayero
University Kano. I am now pursuing my
impacted
MSc
happy.
in
Computer
science
with
a
with
my
little
knowledge
specialisation in Cybersecurity Artificial intelligence at the Federal University of
STRATEGIES TOWARDS PROMOTING
Dutse.
PEACE IN NIGERIA AND AFRICA. 1. Politics sentiments: I will call on
WHAT I DO.
politicians who let politics be
I’m a Microsoft Innovative Educator, Data
played
analyst, Social Media Specialist, Digital
politics are not enemies. Political
Marketing Specialist, Cyber Security
sentiments and hate speeches have
Expert, Lecturer, Content Writer, and
been
freelancer. In short, I’m an IT consultant.
causes of our country’s problems.
nicely.
Oppositions
identified
as
in
significant
Nigerian politicians can do better MY ADVOCACY
by
I’m a Childbirth Spacing advocate, Peace
blackmail
advocate, Climate Change advocate,
oppositions, and they should show
and I create awareness on Cybersecurity,
emotions towards essential issues
Racism and Tribal issues because we are
that will help maintain peace.
one regardless of our Tribe or Race.
AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 45
stopping
hate
speech
against
or their
1. Issue of Tribalism: One of the
enlightenment
program
about
major issues in Nigeria is tribalism.
peace. The country’s governments,
When you log in to our social
from the federal government, the
media platforms, all you see is
state government, and the local
one region mocking the other or
government, must draw their plans
vice versa. At the same time, other
and strategize their program on
advanced countries use their social
reaching out to every Nigerian
media platforms to unite, share
with the message of peace.
ideas,
achievements,
and
be
productive. For peace to reign in our
nation,
ourselves
we
must
and
connect
ignore
petty
sentiments. Every Nigerian is one, regardless
of
their
tribe
or
BEST APPROACHES TO CONFLICT RESOLUTION Volunteering in advocating about importance of peace, Training for peace making, Building locally based and traditional peace initiatives.
religion. Having this sense of brotherhood in Nigeria is very
MY ADVICE TO WOMEN THAT
necessary for the peace of the
WANT TO BE LIKE ME
nation.
to
I did not wake up to see all I had
Nigerian
achieved; I worked for everything I
regardless of religion, tribe, or
had achieved. I always tell people
political divides.
that women are brilliant and most
We
appreciate
must
learn
every
2. Need for massive enlightenment
intelligent
set
of
human
beings
about the importance of peace to
because we are multitaskers in nature;
a Country. No country can thrive
we can deal with whatever comes our
developmentally in an atmosphere
way. This is a call for all women. We
where
can do it, and we will achieve it.
there
is
no
peace.
Therefore, stability is essential to any nation that wants to be advanced; that is why Nigeria need to call
for a massive
AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 46
“
We must learn to appreciate every Nigerian regardless of religion, tribe, or political divides
WHAT I THINK ABOUT AFRICAN
insecurity, climate change, youth
PEACE MAGAZINE
unemployment and overall economic
African peace magazine is one of our
growth.
problem solvers. Anyone who can create or promote peace amongst people is a
2. Education and Modernisation
problem solver. I keep on saying that
Education directly contributes to the
without peace, nothing is achievable. And
process of modernisation. It is rightly
we can’t develop without any
acknowledged that human resource is the
achievements.
key to national advancement, and an excellent human resource is created and
ADDRESSING THE AGRICULTURAL
developed by education. It produces
ISSUES IN AFRICA.
skilled persons with a sound knowledge
1. Digitalization of Agriculture
base to occupy and operate economic,
In my opinion, Digitisation is not just for
industrial, technological and social fields.
farms. Digital technologies should be part
This high-powered human resource
of the curriculum in schools, universities
contributes to the growth of national
and research institutions. Today,
wealth through their creative abilities and
aautomated steering systems, data-
productive efforts. Therefore, education
driven targeted application of fertilisers
promotes in the rising generation those
and pesticides, field robots and drones,
knowledge, skills and attitudes which
soil analysis sensors, autonomous driving -
accelerate the pace of modernisation. To
digitisation is advancing in agriculture.
sum it up, I think education brings about
Digitisation is gaining momentum at a
change in the mind: attitude, value,
pace second to none. Farmers and the
opinion etc. to work for the progress and
environment need to adapt processes to
prosperity of any nation.
a digital technology concept because innovative methods can lead to efficient and resource-friendly sustainable farming. I firmly believe that Agricultural transformation should be made a priority in the policy agenda of African governments in their quest to meet the challenges of food and nutrition
AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 47
3. Urbanisation Farming
PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT ON
According to reports, Africa already has
PEACE BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT
the highest per capita rate of food-borne
People should resolve their differences
illness globally. So, with urbanisation, I
peacefully and lay foundations to
believe this will reduce drastically and
prevent future violence.
offer farmers opportunities to raise their income.
HOW TO DEAL WITH BRAIN DRAIN AND SUDDEN MIGRATION
4. Precision agriculture In the past, precision agriculture was limited to more extensive operations that could support the IT infrastructure and other technology resources required to implement and benefit from the benefits of precision agriculture fully. However, mobile apps, smart sensors, drones, and cloud computing make precision agriculture possible for farming cooperatives and even small family farms in Africa.
1. Poverty Alleviation I believe there is little doubt that voluntary migration from a poor to a rich country almost always benefits the individual migrant, who may easily find themself earning in an hour what they made in a day in the land of origin once we provide opportunities. For people, there wouldn’t be any need for them to leave for “greener pastures”. 2. Insecurity This issue is self-explanatory; when there is no security, people feel unsafe,
ABOUT MY FUTURE PLAN
economic activities will always be in a
To be part of peace builders, peace makers and peace keepers in Africa
constant decline. The government needs to look at ways of addressing insecurity for better opportunities and boost
WHO INSPIRE ME AND WHY?
economic activities.
The person that really inspires me is Ngozi Okonjo Iweala because she always makes think I can reach to the top of the world.
“
People should resolve their differences peacefully…
AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 48
3. Unemployment & Youth
the young people’s trust and
explosion
confidence in governments.
Causes of unemployment in Nigeria vary;
2. Facilitate inter-community dialogue and exchanges
even before COVID-19, the Nigerian environment, afflicted with insecurity, high
Distrust, stereotypes, and prejudices can
cost of doing business, multiple taxations
be tackled by initiatives, such as
and epileptic power supply, has been
exchanges, which encourage continuous
unattractive to investment. There should
dialogue and engagement between
be a holistic employment scheme in the
youth from different communities. It is
country, addressing simultaneously the
particularly important that young people
necessity to provide critical infrastructure
who have been directly victimised by
and industrial friendly environment and
conflict are involved.
attract private investors.
The problems of young people are due
4. Inadequate social amenities and development
to the fact that, during their upbringing, we were in a state of blockade. Young
ADVICE TO AFRICAN YOUTH ON
people did not have the resources to receive any information from the outside.
PEACE BUILDING 1. Youth Engaging in political
We stewed in our own juice. There was no way to learn from the experience of
processes Many youths feel excluded from
other countries.
political processes, and from making meaningful contributions. It is crucial that governments make sustained commitments to rebuild
MY GENERAL ADVICE TO YOUTHS Is that you can achieve whatever you dreamt of regardless of socioeconomic status, race, age of gender.
AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 49
Rule
MILITARY RULE
M
ilitary rule in time past has been a major concern for the people and a major threat to Democracy and Civilian administration. The hunger for power and selfish desires of Military leaders is one of those reasons for this forceful take
over. They seek for signs from the people’s dissatisfaction with the bad governance of incumbent governments and popular protest with specific grievance and they ride on that to power with promises of quick returns to new regimes of proper democratic governance, however, do they really rule as promised? The weakness of democratic values whether it be among key elite groups, the general public or both is relevant to Africa’s civil-military relations. In time past, there has been many cases of military rule in Africa, they see starting a coup as a way to amend some government rules in their respective countries. The overwhelming transitions from democracy can be through military coups who ousted democratically elected leaders or some executives who through selfish desires end democracy by concentrating powers in their own hands like in the case of Zimbabwe and Chad. The military in Africa are now seeing Military coup as an acceptable way of removing underperforming government but after a while this military leaders also institute another round of bad governance. The people’s purported approval of the coup is crucial in these cases. Some military take-overs are sometimes supported by the people especially when such government is extremely corrupt. In the past decade, some African Countries have experienced Military takeover. The most recent occurring in the past 18months, military leaders have toppled the government of Burkina Faso, Mali, Chad, Guinea and Sudan. Burkina Faso experienced the most recent coup on 24th of January, 2022 ousting President Roch Kaboré, who was detained by soldier at the military camp in the capital and the government is taken over by Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba after which he addressed the nation that he would restore the country to constitutional order when the conditions are right. Sudan experienced its Coup led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan who arrested the Sudanese Prime Minister, Abdalla Hamdok, dissolved the Government and established a state of emergency on 25th October, 2021 about a month after the government thwarted an attempted coup. AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 52
MILITARY RULE
On 5th September, 2021 a Coup d’etat visited the confines of Guinea which ousted President Alpha Condé and Col. Mamady Doumbouya took over the affairs of the country. Coup d'etat which was led by Col. Assimi Goïta on 18th to 19th August, 2020 in Mali which ousted the government of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta and Prime Minister Boubou Cissé. A temporary government was initially installed led by President Bah N'Daw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane but later overthrown on 24th May, 2021 by the same coup leaders led by Col. Assimi Goïta. The Coup d’état in Chad was referred to as an “institutional coup”, following the death of President Idriss Deby on April 21, 2021, who has led the country for 30 decades and his son General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, organized a coup the same day where he suspended the constitution, dissolved the parliament and set up a ruling military council of which he is the military commander. On 10th April, 2019, Sudanese soldiers led by the former First Vice President, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Awad Ibn Auf attacked the Presidential Palace and overthrew President Omar al-Bashir and formed a new civilian government led by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok which was later overthrown by another military coup on 25th October, 2021 bringing General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to power. Though some citizens in the country accepted the forceful takeover of power from President Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe which was led by Maj. Gen. Constantino Chiwenga and they forcefully held him in custody, compelled his resignation and took over power from 14th to 21st of November, 2017 Another in Egypt on 3rd July, 2013, which was led by Gen. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi successfully ousted the government of President Mohamed Morsi In Central African Republic on 23-24 March, 2013, Coup d'etat led by Michel Djotodia successfully ousted the government of President François Bozizé. Between 2010 to date, coup attempts have been recorded in about 21 countries in Africa. In Guinea Bissau, Madagascar, DR Congo, Niger, Malawi, Mali, Ivory Coast, Sudan, Eritrea,
AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 53
MILITARY RULE
Benin, Libya, Comoros, Chad, Lesotho, Gambia, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ethiopia, Central African Republic. Some countries in Africa hasn’t witnessed a peaceful transfer of power in a long time. Burkina Faso that had a recent coup is sometimes referred to as the coup capital Africa after witnessing about 10 attempts, with six in 80s and eventually ruled by Blaise Compaore and he was overthrown in another coup, till the most recent coup which ousted President Roch Kabore. Similarly, since the independence of Guinea-Bissau in 1974, there has not been any president who completed a full term. Overall, Africa has experienced more coups than any other continent and these takeovers are always bloody affairs as lots of presidents and prime ministers are killed in these power grabs and these takeovers put a halt to the right of the people to choose their leaders rather than being imposed to rule. Consequent upon military governance comes militarized political culture, the civic culture is thereby eroded. The rule of operation became that of order, combat rather than dialogue, disregard of court orders and violation of human rights became the tenets. Application of military law to civilians and the threat or use of extrajudicial repression (such as torture, disappearances and killings). Taking cue from the events in Mali, once the military tastes power and the recognition that comes with it, they may be reluctant to return to the barracks. Civilian administration should therefore see improving governance to create conditions for peace as an urgent need. Africa’s regional bodies and international partners need to act more decisively to anticipate and respond to this alarming trend and evolving coup playbook. It seems the international community’s response to this unruly actions is meek rather than being firm with their decisions. Majority take overs are at most times bloody which involves the loss of lives and properties, urgent actions should be taken for peace to reign in the region. Auth
Temitayo Ajibade tinukeajibade@gmail.com AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 54
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