SAHEL CRISIS: IPCR TO EXPAND FOCUS TO REGIONAL CONFLICTS 13-02-25
By Sadiq Aminu The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) is set to broaden its scope beyond Nigeria’s internal conflicts to address key regional crises across Africa.
These include the French withdrawal from the Sahel and ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, made this known during a strategic meeting with the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) in Abuja.
Dr. Ochogwu acknowledged that while IPCR has traditionally focused on Nigeria’s domestic conflicts, the Institute’s mandate extends to promoting Nigeria’s soft power across the continent.
He emphasized the need for international collaboration in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and reconstruction efforts in post-conflict areas. He also reiterated his commitment to repositioning IPCR’s operations to align with this broader vision.
The IPCR boss stressed the critical role of the media in advancing peace initiatives, noting that research without proper dissemination has little impact. He called for stronger engagement between Nigeria’s foreign policy experts and the public to counter misinformation and ensure accurate narratives on global affairs. He also urged increased visibility for Nigeria’s diplomatic institutions in international discussions.
Chairman of DICAN, Comrade Idehai Frederick, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and foreign missions to ensure timely and accurate information dissemination.
He announced plans for DICAN’s annual lecture, which will feature foreign policy experts discussing Nigeria’s global engagements under the 4D agenda. He also highlighted the need for continuous training to enhance diplomatic reporting in the country.