Communal dialogue and peacebuilding education in volatile terrain: A study of the volatile African region

Abstract

This article evaluates the adoption of communal dialogue as an education tool for peace building in volatile terrain in Africa, using Benue State, North-Central Nigeria, as a case in point. Benue State has, in the last eight years, been known for constant communal clashes. This article looks at ways to adopt a valid model of conflict resolution to end this struggle. The yearly uproar arising in this region as residents live in constant fear calls for concern. This inquiry collated churns of research using secondary data together with a survey to ensure a tangible solution was proffered. All the local governments in this region were selected, especially where there are consistent struggles, interferences of herdsmen, and insecurities. About 363 copies of the questionnaires were distributed among residents living in this region. The aim is to generate data bordering on peace building education initiatives, as regular conflicts have rampaged this region for over a decade. Expected findings will focus on the best model that can tackle insecurity appropriately. The study's findings show that all the respondents agreed that they see communal dialogue approaches employed as viable tools for peacebuilding education in the region. Important to note is the need to consider the peculiarities of this region. It is crucial to leverage frameworks that best suit this struggle, considering peculiarities in these regions as seen in similar areas in different parts of the world today. We therefore recommend that communal dialogue approaches be properly employed to restore lasting peace.