The Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP) commissioned the Community-level Conflict Management Mechanisms study (CCMM) in January 2012. The study seeks to help reduce the negative impact of violent conflict on the most vulnerable, in eight target states: Kano, Yobe, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers. NSRP is designed around four main strands of work. These deal respectively with:
- improving conflict management mechanisms
- reducing grievances about economic opportunities and distribution of resources
- reducing violence against women
- contributing to improved policy and practice around stability and reconciliation in Nigeria
Five main types of conflict were identified by the three studies. Conflicts relating to land and other natural resources were the most widespread in all zones, though especially so in the Niger Delta. Domestic violence and violence against women were also common in all three zones. Ethno-religious identity lies at the root of much serious violent conflict, especially in the Middle Belt. Struggles over control of local traditional and religious institutions were noted as causes of conflict in all three zones. Finally, political conflicts were also common to all three zones.
The study concludes that people are desperate for peace, yet have little confidence in the capacity of their leaders to deliver it. The fundamental driver of conflict in the three zones is revealed as being a crisis of governance. To tackle these challenges, the author recommends the following:
- the conflict management and mediation processes currently in place needs to be strengthened
- there is a strong need to create or expand the possibilities of providing employment to the socially displaced, economically disadvantaged and politically exploited people
- NRSP should collaborate with the federal government to work out security sector reform to enhance accountability, and ensure truly professionalised security services
[adapted from author]