Background of the study
Religious leaders have historically played pivotal roles in fostering peace and reconciliation within communities. In Afikpo North, Ebonyi State, these leaders are not only spiritual guides but also active mediators in conflict resolution. Their interventions range from organizing community dialogues to personally mediating disputes, thereby helping to mend fractured relationships. Doctrinal teachings emphasizing forgiveness, unity, and social justice often underpin their peacebuilding efforts (Chukwu, 2023). Furthermore, the integration of traditional conflict resolution methods with modern peacebuilding strategies has enhanced their effectiveness (Ndukwe, 2024). Recent case studies demonstrate that religious leadership can be a powerful force in bridging divides and reducing violence (Ikechukwu, 2025). This study appraises the strategies, challenges, and successes of religious leaders in promoting peace in Afikpo North, contributing to broader discussions on sustainable conflict resolution in diverse communities.
Statement of the problem
Despite the acknowledged role of religious leaders in peacebuilding, empirical studies focusing on their specific contributions in Afikpo North are scarce. The community continues to face sporadic conflicts and social tensions, partially due to inadequate integration of religious-led initiatives with formal conflict resolution mechanisms. The absence of a structured evaluation framework for these interventions hampers the understanding of their effectiveness. This study aims to fill the research gap by investigating how religious leaders influence peacebuilding processes and by identifying the challenges they encounter in fostering sustainable community reconciliation.
Objectives of the study:
Research questions:
Research Hypotheses:
Significance of the study
This study highlights the pivotal role of religious leaders in fostering peace and social harmony, offering critical insights for policymakers and conflict resolution practitioners. The findings will inform strategies to integrate religious leadership with formal peacebuilding efforts, thereby enhancing community reconciliation in Afikpo North (Okoro, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study:
Limited to the topic only. Do not input year
Definitions of terms:
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