THE former President of Nigeria, Mr, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has said the major cause of conflicts on the African continent is the struggle for power.
Jonathan shared his opinion at a program organized by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, IPCR, and its partners in commemoration of the International Day of Peace in Abuja.
The erstwhile president, who noted that Africa’s conflicts are largely driven by contestation for power, expressed concern about Nigeria’s situation, stating that until the country develops a culture of peace, political conflicts will persist. He also disputed the notion that politics is inherently dirty, instead blaming corrupt individuals for the negative perception. He advocated for a shift in mindset, emphasizing the need to cultivate a culture of peace.
Jonathan highlighted the importance of peaceful elections, citing the recent governorship election in Edo State, where tension was higher after the election due to concerns about irregularities.
“Leadership struggles are the root cause of most conflicts in Africa. Technology alone cannot solve Nigeria’s electoral issues, as corrupt minds can manipulate it,” he said.
