| March 28, 2023 — Amidst reports of voter intimidation, voter suppression, vote-buying, rigging, violence, and ethnic profiling during the recent general elections in Nigeria, the country’s extremely diverse society has become increasingly – dangerously – polarized. |
|
|
| Since Nigeria gained independence in 1960, every election has come with its own unique challenges, often creating ethnic and religious imbalances. Politicians leverage their ethnicity and religion to garner identity-based support for elections and fuel agitations ultimately advancing rising toxic polarization and communal conflict. This “us-versus-them” dynamic is a threat to the democratic health and has a corrosive impact on social cohesion and, especially, the already weak level of trust in leadership among citizens. |
|
|
| As an organization with 30 years of experience facilitating conflict resolution, reconciliation, and democracy-building around the world, we at Beyond Conflict recognize the urgent need to address the issue of toxic polarization and eroded trust in the government and other institutions. |
|
|
| At Beyond Conflict, we have designed and tested interventions to reduce dehumanization, support for inter-group violence, meta-(mis)perceptions, and affective polarization in settings where toxic polarization has deepened threats to functioning democracies. In collaboration with our partners, we have conducted research to understand the psychological dimensions of polarization to inform effective interventions and strategies to mitigate its harm. |
|
|
| Currently in Nigeria, we are focusing on providing actionable evidence on the underlying psychological mechanisms that drive intergroup conflict and toxic polarization, and how evidence-based strategies can effectively reduce them. We aim to communicate the insights and tools derived from our scholarly research and field testing to practitioners, policymakers, and communities. |
|
|
| At Beyond Conflict, we are keenly aware of how structural and systemic forces in Nigeria contribute to intergroup conflict and polarization. We strongly believe that addressing these issues requires cross-disciplinary partnerships between scholars, practitioners, and communities in Nigeria to develop and test effective interventions that promote social cohesion and counter the rise of authoritarian regimes. |
|
|
| We are committed to working with our partners in Nigeria and are also open to new partnerships to advance our collective understanding of these complex issues and to support the development of practical solutions that can promote a more peaceful and inclusive future for all Nigerians. |
|
|
| ~~~ |
|
|
| Opeyemi Adeojo is a Program Lead at Beyond Conflict where he leads on the development of research-based behavioral-science informed peacebuilding programs in Nigeria. He previously worked as a research manager for Busara Center for Behavioral Economics in Nigeria in which he managed research portfolios and initiatives across a number of sectors. Opeyemi is passionate about community-driven development, and innovations that promote a peaceful and non-violent society. |
|
