ENHANCING AFRICA’S INTERNAL SECURITY THROUGH NONVIOLENT MEASURES: AN ANALYSIS OF NIGERIA’S AMNESTY PROGRAMME

Abstract

This paper stressed the need to enhance peace and internal security in Africa through non-violent measures and approaches with particular reference to Nigeria’s amnesty programme. The study adopted the basic human needs theory as its theoretical framework and derived its data from secondary sources. Data collected were analysed using the qualitative method. The study revealed that conflict resolution through nonviolent measures such as disarmament, demobilization and re-integration (DDR) programmes have helped to enhance sustainable peace and internal security in most African countries including Nigeria, Burundi, Rwanda etc. Further findings also show that the use of military force as a means of conflict resolution by some African states have helped to escalate and prolong conflicts in different parts of Africa. The need for good governance, rule of law and strict adherence to democratic principles by African leaders and states is also fundamental in the process of building peace, internal security and political stability in Africa.