PREVENTIVE DIPLOMACY: A PANACEA FOR VIOLENCE PREVENTION IN ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA
Abstract
Preventive diplomacy has over the years secured conspicuous usage and essential role as a key element in peace and security on the international arena. The concept has seen States and non-States actors committed to the establishment of sustainable peaceful co-existence in the international community making various efforts to prevent violent situations, especially those associated with electoral processes. Using qualitative analytical method, this paper seeks to ascertain the efficacy of the concept of preventive diplomacy as the basis of a peace and security structure for national and global peaceful co-existence. It aims to discuss the origin and meaning of preventive diplomacy and to elaborate on its operational requirements. The paper further demonstrates the effectiveness of preventive diplomacy in preventing violence situations, especially as it affects Nigeria’s pre and post electoral processes; and conclusively offers a policy-relevant discourse on the potential of existing and emerging global institutions to develop a capacity for preventive diplomacy as part of their contribution to international peace and security.
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People Interviewed for This Paper
Barrister Asimiyu Ayodeji, Legal Practitioner, Head of Litigation/Alternative Dispute Resolution, Department, Uche Nwokedi & Co, Lagos State.
Mr. Olatayo Adeshina, a staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Kwara State.
Mr. Abdulgafar Muse, Former Youth Leader, All Progressive Congress (APC), Ilorin West LGA, Kwara State.
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