Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CEWRM): Tools for Enhancing Sustainable Peace for National Development in Nigeria.

Abstract

Nigeria, renowned for its rich diversity in ethnicity, religion, and resource distribution, contends with enduring conflicts that present formidable barriers to both sustainable peace and national development. These conflicts have perpetuated challenges such as widespread education deficits and economic underdevelopment. Given these circumstances, this study explores the pivotal role of conflict early warning and response mechanisms (CEWRMs). Employing content analysis and integrating insights from game theory through a comprehensive literature review, the study seeks to elucidate how CEWRMs can effectively bolster sustainable peace and national development. The findings underscore that strengthened CEWRMs possess the capability to preempt, mitigate, and manage the escalation of violent conflicts, thereby safeguarding sustainable peace and fostering national development. Moreover, the study reveals the profound impact of these conflicts on sustainable peace and national development, underscoring the imperative of integrating CEWRMs within a cohesive framework. However, the efficacy of these early warning systems faces substantial challenges
due to pervasive socio-economic disparities, educational deficiencies, and systemic governance failures. Conclusively, CEWRMs emerge as indispensable tools capable of aggregating and analysing crucial information to prevent conflict escalation, thereby enhancing
sustainable peace and national development. The study recommends that governments at all levels and non-governmental organizations implement comprehensive CEWRM strategies. These strategies should encompass diverse data sources, including social media monitoring, traditional media analysis, community reports, and expert assessments, to effectively detect potential conflicts that threaten sustainable peace and national development.