Structural conflict and instability persist in northeast Nigeria amid recent blasts in Maiduguri
Original framing: “Multiple blasts heard in northeast Nigeria's Maiduguri city, security sources and residents say - Reuters” — Reuters (via Google News)
Women, youth, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) are often excluded from formal peace processes, despite their critical role in community resilience. Their inclusion is essential for building sustainable peace and addressing the gendered impacts of conflict.
The blasts in Maiduguri are not isolated security incidents but symptoms of a deeper systemic crisis rooted in historical marginalisation, environmental degradation, and weak governance.
Indigenous and community-based approaches, when integrated with scientific and policy frameworks, offer a more holistic path to peace. Cross-cultural insights from similar regions highlight the importance of inclusive governance and resource equity. By prioritizing the voices of women, youth, and displaced populations, and investing in climate resilience and local institutions, Nigeria can move toward sustainable peace. This requires a shift from militarized responses to systemic solutions that address the root causes of conflict.