The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and the Niger Delta: analysing the role of local communities in the programme between 1999 and 2017

This thesis examines the role of local agencies in peacebuilding initiatives within resource-rich conflict regions, focusing on the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) in Nigeria's Niger Delta. The Niger Delta has faced protracted unrest due to tensions between minority ethnic groups, the government, and multinational oil companies (MNOCs) operating in the area. In 2009, the government implemented the PAP centred on the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) of militants. However, the emergence of new militant groups suggests the Programme failed to achieve durable peace. This study aims to analyse how the PAP's conceptual foundations align with local needs and desires. It also investigates the level of participation of local stakeholders like youth, communities, and civil society organisations in PAP's design and delivery. Additionally, the research explores more inclusive and hybrid approaches to peacebuilding tailored to the Delta context. An embedded multiple case study methodology is utilised to examine perspectives from various local actors. Semi-structured interviews provide primary data on community experiences. The study argues that lasting peace depends on reconciling external templates like DDR with indigenous resources and agency. It contributes to scholarship on everyday peacebuilding and localising interventions. For policy, the findings recommend integrating top-down and bottom-up efforts for a hybrid approach resonant with the society being transformed.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

PhD

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wolverhampton

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Nnanta Amadi, Anele

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Kassimeris, George
• O'Kane, Eamonn
• Cunningham, Michael

• Niger Delta militancy
• presidential amnesty programme
• disarmament
• demobilisation
• reintegration
• peacebuilding initiatives
• community-based peacebuilding
• resource governance
• sustainable development
• local stakeholders
• transformative reconciliation
• reintegration challenges

Statement dc:rights

• Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

Licence

• https://wlv.dspace7.openrepository.com/bitstreams/5ccf762b-7808-49bc-87cf-4f5ada8a8949/download