IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND LEADERSHIP RESEARCH (JPSLR )

E-ISSN 2504-883X
P-ISSN 2695 2432
VOL. 11 NO. 2 2025
DOI: 10.56201/jpslr.v11.no2.2025.pg62.77

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Amnesty and Beyond: Local Ownership and Peacebuilding in The Niger Delta Region, Nigeria (2009-2019)

BROWN, Silverline Nema OGELE, Eziho Promise

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Abstract

The study examined the local ownership and peacebuilding in the Niger Delta region using the amnesty programme as a case. Pursuing lasting peace in fragile contexts necessitates a paradigm shift, prioritizing local ownership as the linchpin of sustainable peacebuilding. Conventional top- down approaches have often yielded ephemeral results, as externally driven initiatives frequently neglect the intricate complexities of local dynamics. In contrast, empowering local stakeholders to assume ownership of peacebuilding processes fosters contextualized solutions, amplifies indigenous knowledge, and cultivates resilience. This study contends that local ownership is not merely a rhetorical flourish, but a pragmatic imperative for constructing durable peace by examining the intersection of local agency, contextual knowledge, and peacebuilding outcomes of the amnesty programme in the Niger Delta region. Also, the study underscores the significance of devolving ownership to local actors, ensuring that peacebuilding endeavours are culturally attuned, politically astute, and sustainably effective. The study adopted Conflict Transformation Theory as its theoretical construct. The study relied on primary and secondary methods for its data-gathering techniques. The primary source relied on survey research design and interview techniques. The secondary data relied on journals, newspapers, and books. The study revealed a correlation between local ownership and peacebuilding in post-conflict reconstruction. The study recommends amongst others that policymakers and practitioners continue to foster inter- community dialogue and cooperation, which includes establishing community-led dialogue and encouraging collaborative economic development projects, among others.

keywords:

amnesty programme, conflict, local ownership, local participation, Niger Delta

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