ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE AFRICAN UNION’S CONFLICT RESOLUTION MECHANISMS IN NIGERIA

Africa is consistently besieged by regional and sub-national conflict that is grossly stretching the regional bloc, and raising questions about the effectiveness of the African Union (AU) in dealing with the continent’ challenges. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country and a key political and economic actor, it has consistently faced various forms of internal conflict, including the Boko Haram insurgency, herder-farmer clashes, banditry, and secessionist movements. Previous studies have focused on the structure and functions of AU; little have been done on its conflict resolution mechanisms. This study investigated the effectiveness of the African Union’s (AU), with a view to examining its conflict resolution mechanisms, and evaluating the significance and effectiveness in addressing Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges. Descriptive design was used. Conflict transformation theory by Johan Galtung Data were gathered using interviews conducted to 4 key informants. Data were subjected to qualitative and thematic analysis. In response to conflicts across the African continent, AU has established institutional frameworks: African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), African Standby Force (ASF), Continental Early Warning System (CEWS), Peace and Security Council (PSC). While these mechanisms were designed to enable swift and coordinated responses to crises, their actual implementation in Nigeria were limited, indirect, and dependent on regional bodies such as ECOWAS.AU's efforts were hampered by political sensitivities, funding gaps, and lack of sustained engagement. Findings in the study underscores that while the AU possesses the normative tools to address conflict in Nigeria, significant reforms and deeper collaboration with national stakeholders are needed to enhance its effectiveness in promoting peace and stability.