COMMUNITY DIPLOMACY: A VIABLE PARADIGM FOR CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND RESOLUTION

Abstract

In the present situation that the Nigerian society has found herself, it has become expedient that a fresh paradigm aimed at saving the country from anarchy and total security collapse be evolved. No doubt, the country is sitting at the moment on the keg of a gun powder which if not properly and diplomatically managed could explode, not just destroying the unity of the country, but will lead to wanton loss of lives and properties. The writers are worried by the heightened levels of insecurity, border conflicts and violent destructions of government installations. Community diplomacy remains a viable paradigm for conflict management and resolution, considering the levels of insecurity and destructions in most communities and state capitals in Nigeria. The writers observed that in the south east, for instance, conflicts and insecurity such as border communality conflicts, herdsmen attacks and violent destructions of government installations are on the increase. The writers, therefore, recommend that it has become imperative, in view of the postulation by John Kennedy, that “Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind”.