Strengthening Civilian Autonomy for Conflict De-escalation: Reflections on Anambra State, Nigeria

South-East Nigeria is experiencing unprecedented and alarming violence occasioned by the activities of Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs) and clashes between them and state security agencies. Data from Nextier SPD Violent Conflict Database reveal that at least 83 civilians and 36 security personnel were killed by NSAGs labelled as ”unknown gunmen (UGM)\” in the first half of 2022.

The violent activities of the NSAGs and consequent deployment of state security personnel across Anambra State have seen civilian communities caught between the crossfires of NSAGs and state security forces, both willing to punish the civilians with violence if they suspect civilian collaboration with the opposing side. Discourses on violent conflict tend to focus on the role of armed actors in conflict de-escalation while ignoring the capacity of civilian communities to influence armed groups’ choices and de-escalate violence through nonviolent means. However, Kaplan (2017) shows that civilian communities can protect themselves from armed groups\’ violence, influence armed groups\’ preferences and contribute to de-escalating violence by exercising nonviolent civilian autonomy strategies without participating in the conflict.

This edition of Nextier SPD Policy Weekly reflects on why civilian communities in Anambra State have failed to effectively exercise autonomy in the ongoing violent conflict and provides actionable strategies for strengthening civilian autonomy for conflict de-escalation in the state.

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