Description
This paper explores the nature of partnership relationships between peacebuilding International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) and Local Non-Governmental Organizations (LNGOs) in Africa. The paradoxical relationship between INGOs and LNGOs has been a significant topic of debate in international development, with scholars highlighting a lack of sufficient empirical studies focused on specific case studies, contexts, and operations that reveal the nature, dynamics, effects, and dimensions of these partnerships. To address this gap, the paper examines a peacebuilding intervention led by an INGO in collaboration with two LNGOs in the farmer-herder conflict in North Central Nigeria, aiming to generate data and provide insights into the dynamics of these partnerships. The study employs Alan Fowler’s (1998) Authentic Partnership Principles (APP) as a conceptual analytical framework. The findings indicate unilateral decision-making, exclusion in visibility, and micromanagement issues, calling into question the authenticity of the partnership. The uneven nature of this partnership poses a significant challenge to attaining its peacebuilding goals. Considering the prevailing and emerging regional security threats, an effective relationship between both actors is an essential element to be considered and addressed in Africa’s peace and security framework. This study makes a significant contribution to the literature on NGO partnerships and peacebuilding, localization, and power shift.
Key-words: Nature of partnership, Peacebuilding, Peacebuilding intervention, NGOs, Africa
