Usmanu Danfodiyo University Hosts Symposium on Security and Conflict Resolution

The Centre for Peace Studies at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, recently organised a one-day international symposium.

The event aimed to explore effective strategies for enhanced security and conflict resolution in Nigeria and the Middle East.

The symposium, themed “Pathways to Enhanced Security and Conflict Resolution – Northwestern Nigeria and the Middle East in Perspective,” addressed critical issues via a virtual Zoom platform.

Chaired by Dr Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed, the event featured experts from the security and academic cycles, including:

Dr. Murtala Ahmed Rufa’i: “Assessing the Role of Community-Based Security Outfits/Initiatives/Institutions in Conflict Resolution and Promoting Security in Northwestern Nigeria”,

Brigadier General (Rtd) Sani Usman Kukasheka: “The Imperative of Innovative Strategies for Mitigating Conflict and Security Challenges in Northwestern Nigeria”.

Professor Sunday Ocheche: “Exploring New Diplomatic Options Towards Conflict Resolution in the Middle East”
Professor Isah Muhammad Maishanu: “Historical Dynamics of Israel–Palestine Conflict: The Way Forward.”

The joint communique, signed by Chairman Dr Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed and Professor M. T. Usman, observes that community-based security outfits emerge as a response to the state’s failure in adequate security provisioning.

Insecurity challenges in northwestern Nigeria are rooted in abject poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, bad governance, and inadequate provision of social and economic infrastructures.

The Middle East conflict revolves around core issues such as land, nationhood, and complexities arising from the immigration of the Jews and the creation of Israel.

The Middle East conflict, spanning seven decades, has led to bloodshed, property destruction, population displacement, and socio-economic injustices, disproportionately impacting civilians.

The Palestinian Question remains unresolved due to insincerity, bias, and prejudices exhibited by major actors in the region and beyond.

The symposium recommended that authorities:
Ensure community-based security outfits’ composition and activities are inclusive and free from ethnic and socio-cultural differences.
Address urgent issues of poverty, unemployment, injustice, and infrastructure deficiencies at all government levels in Nigeria to tackle northwest region insecurity.

Establish a regional security outfit in northwest Nigeria to complement conventional security agencies in combating insecurity.
Implement Peace Resolution agreements based on the two-state solution under UN supervision without delay.

Advocate for sincere international mediation and negotiation to resolve other contentious issues in the Middle East conflict.

Dominica Nwabufo