Urgent Response to Threats to Peace and Security in Nigeria

Dear Peace Partners in Nigeria and all:

With the disturbing images and news of violence and understandable social media expressions of outrage, and unfortunately some confusion or rumoring, there is need for the voices of peace and messaging in Nigeria to rise louder or loudest in:

• Condemnation of any form of violence and reiteration of the equal value of each life and all of humanity, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or region—because tomorrow it could be me;
• Development of conflict de-escalation measures that also include face saving and confidence building features;
• Careful review and scrutiny of the military rules of engagement–that protect human rights, protect the community, and accounts for gross violations;
• Provision of humanitarian assistance to the victims of violence and psycho-social services to the traumatized communities;
• Appeals to the humanity of the “foot soldiers” and security personnel on the streets–for truly maintaining law and order and protect lives and property;
• Engagement of the youth on peaceful coexistence, human rights and just governance under democracy, especially by educational institutions and relevant NGOs;
• Unrelenting efforts for peace through dialogue and constructive, respectful engagement–at macro and micro levels.

We may not restore the hundreds of lives already lost or displaced, but we could prevent the loss of thousands of lives in the near future with our resonant voices of peace and nonviolence through our peace messaging.

Peace,

Prof. Ernest Uwazie, Executive Director, Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution, California State University, Sacramento, California, USA

Basil Ugorji, President and CEO, International Center for Ethno-Religious Mediation, New York, USA

And many other #RuntoNigeria with an Olive Branch Movement Partners, Organizers, Peace Activists and Peace Advocates.