Description
Much of postcolonial Africa has experienced notably high levels of political violence and
instability, as opined by Patrick Chabal (1960). The amalgamation of diverse populations into nation-states and the subsequent quest for a new national identity following independence constituted a defining struggle for most African states that resulted in recurring conflicts and violence on the continent. In the diverse landscape of postcolonial African states, each with its unique geography, population, and culture, achieving peace is complicated due to the lasting effects of colonial history. Mahmood Mamdani (2001) pointed out that colonial designs intentionally blurred the lines between ethnicity and political identity in African political and economic frameworks. This similarity is evident globally, as seen in Klaus Dodds (2022) analysis of the lasting impact of British colonial policies in India. With the intersections of colonial legacies and contemporary peacebuilding efforts, this paper observes the crucial impact of non-functional societies in hampering the goal of promoting sustainable peace while questioning the applicability of conventional peacebuilding models in societies deliberately designed to fail.
The paper draws inspiration from Siphamandla Zondis call for decolonial peace, aiming to contribute to the discourse on decolonial peacebuilding, highlighting the need for nuanced approaches that acknowledge and address the enduring impacts of colonialism on the political and social structures of modern African states. This study adopts a qualitative research approach, leveraging case studies from Nigeria and Rwanda. Drawing on critical insights from scholars like Mamdani and Dodds, the paper aims to establish the foundational elements for developing peacebuilding models that align with the varied realities of postcolonial Africa, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in fostering lasting stability and resilience in diverse societies." In this context, the paper addresses the impact of systemic failures on peace initiatives and advances the necessity of decolonising African states and societies. It seeks to construct a novel framework that transcends traditional models, aiming for lasting stability, resilience, and the realisation of a decolonial peace in the diverse landscapes of Africa.
