A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF THE MEDIATION EFFORTS OF THE ORGANISATION OF AFRICAN UNITY (OAU) DURING THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR, 1967-1970

Abstract

The present study constitutes a survey research. The research investigated the function of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in facilitating conflict resolution amidst the Nigerian civil war that occurred between 1967 and 1970. The fundamental aims of the study were to record the diverse mediating discussions arranged by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) amid the conflict, ascertain the catalysts that prompted the OAU to intervene in the war, and scrutinise the factors that impeded the effectiveness of OAU's mediating endeavours to facilitate reconciliation between the warring factions. The present study sourced its data from primary and secondary sources, encompassing pertinent books, journal articles, newspaper publications, archival materials, and OAU resolutions. The study employed a content analysis approach to examine historical documents. The study determined that the mediatory intervention of the OAU ultimately proved to be ineffective. The failure of the mediation efforts can be attributed to various factors, including the prohibition outlined in the organisation's Charter that prohibits intervention in the internal conflicts of member states, the perceived bias of the mediators in favour of Nigeria, and the lack of trust and unwillingness to compromise on the part of the conflicting parties. The research findings indicate that although the OAU's mediation efforts did not result in the cessation of the war, the organisation should be lauded for its collective endeavours in advancing peace not only in Nigeria, but also throughout the wider African region.