Modern concept of peacebuilding and the idea of peacebuilding in Igbo pre-colonial society in Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT Several studies have examined and applied the concept of peacebuilding in different contexts. A careful examination of these studies revealed that adequate attention has not been given to an examination of the modern concept of peacebuilding vis a vis the idea of peacebuilding in Igbo pre-colonial society in Africa. With the aid of secondary data and historical descriptive approach, this article seeks to contribute to the literature on peacebuilding by bringing in the Igbo perspective. The paper reveals that the Igbo pre-colonial society perceived peacebuilding as a long-term process that also involves the preventive aspect of the concept, since conflict was seen by the Igbo society as a naturally occurring and ever-present phenomenon in human existence. It also reveals that the pre-colonial Igbo people imbued their socio-political arrangement and structures with peace-building consciousness in such a manner that ensured lasting peace.