The Nigerian experience of O.A.U. conflict management : a status quo mediator (1963-1988)

• Main Author: Adesanya, Wale-ade Grace
• Published: University of Aberdeen 1990
• Subjects: 320; Nigeria
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.294442

The dissertation assesses Nigeria's role within the Organisation of African Unity as a status quo mediator in African conflict situations between May 25 1963, which marks the beginning of her role, and 1988. Chapter One traces the historical background of the OAU since Nigeria's diplomatic effort in African conflicts have been channelled through the organisation. Chapter two examines the basis of Nigeria's influence in Africa. Chapter three addresses the thesis' first case study, the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), to give a critical analysis of the federal government's diplomatic conduct, when the nation became the subject-matter of the organisation's conflict management machinery. Chapter four shows how Nigeria extended her influence in African politics through the Angolan independence crisis. Chapter five interprets Nigeria's interests in the Chadian conflict and examines the limitations of her leading role in OAU conflict management efforts as exemplified in her unilateral and collective peace-keeping roles in Chad in 1979 and 1981/82 respectively. Chapter six traces the historical background of the Cameroonian/Nigerian conflict of 1981 in order to sustain the claim that Nigeria is a status quo mediator in view of the 'pacific style' adopted by President Sheu Shagari during the border crisis. Chapter seven concludes that the imposing constraints on Nigeria's role as a status quo mediator are: (a) Limited economic resources. (b) Political instability. (c) Limitations of the domestic clause in the OAU Charter, Article III paragraph (2), which prohibits interference in the internal affairs of states. (d) Paucity of military resources.