Jonathan Attributes Power Struggles To African Conflicts, Calls For Culture Of Peace

Former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has highlighted the struggle for power as the primary cause of conflict on the African continent.

Jonathan, a newly appointed Fellow of the Institute, spoke at the International Day of Peace commemoration in Abuja, organised by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), highlighting the continent’s rampant conflict and its root causes.

“Three of the top ten countries in conflict globally are in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Jonathan said, emphasising the importance of addressing the issue.

He went on to say that the majority of conflicts stem from “leadership struggles and contestation for power,” and that his home country, Nigeria, is facing internal challenges.

Jonathan challenged the common perception that politics is inherently dirty, attributing the problem to the players themselves, echoing former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s statement that people bring their “dirty minds, hearts, and characters” to the political arena.

He emphasised the importance of cultivating a culture of peace as a critical antidote to these conflicts, urging Nigerians and Africans to make peace a part of their everyday lives.

The former president, known for his peaceful transition of power following his electoral defeat, cited the recent Edo State governorship election as an example of post-election tension, emphasising the importance of a more peaceful electoral process.

He emphasised that technology alone cannot solve the problem, as corrupt human minds will always find ways to manipulate it.

Dr. Samuel Iroye, head of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at Nigeria’s National Open University, echoed Jonathan’s call for a cultural shift towards peace.

He emphasised the importance of education in creating a level playing field, criticising current curricula for failing to adequately promote a peace culture.

In his address, IPCR Director General Dr. Joseph Ochogwu emphasised the lack of investment in peace, despite its universal appeal.

He urged Nigerians to prioritise the development of a peaceful society and praised President Jonathan’s dedication to peace over personal gain.

This event serves as a stark reminder of the critical need to address the root causes of conflict in Africa, particularly power struggles.

Jonathan’s call for a culture of peace is consistent with the need for a fundamental shift in societal values, as well as the critical role of education in promoting peaceful coexistence.