I delivered a keynote talk at the African Leadership Centre's Postgraduate Conference held at King's College, University of London. It was an honour to have this opportunity to engage with fellow scholars and address the important topic of the leadership-peace nexus in Africa from the perspective of a Scholar-Politician. Throughout my presentation, I focused on demystifying leadership in the African governance experience and exploring the role of leadership in fostering a just and sustainable peace. I also delved into the relationship between democracy, leadership, and peace in Africa, as well as the crucial role of regional organisations such as the African Union and ECOWAS in peacebuilding. Lastly, I shared my personal journey of transitioning from academia to politics as a scholar-politician, offering insights from my insider experience. This topic holds great significance to me, as it has shaped my own journey and deepened my understanding of the challenges our societies face. I firmly believe that leadership plays a crucial role in matters of peace, security, and stability. However, it is not enough to engage in theoretical discussions alone; we must also focus on practical implementation. Drawing from my personal experience, I highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between academia, activism, and politics, and leveraging insider knowledge to drive positive change. My full presentation can be found in the attached document.

1. @kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
Reflections of
a Scholar-Politician
on the Leadership-Peace
Nexus and Praxis in Africa
DR. KAYODE FAYEMI
FORMER GOVERNOR, EKITI STATE,
FORMER CHAIRMAN, NIGERIA GOVERNORS’ FORUM,
PIONEER PRESIDENT, FORUM OF REGIONS OF AFRICA (FORAF),
VISITING PROFESSOR, AFRICA LEADERSHIP CENTRE,
KING'S COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
Keynote Speech delivered at:
The 2023 Postgraduate Conference, African
Leadership Centre, King’s College London,
United Kingdom
Tuesday 4th July,2023

2. 2
@kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
Reflections of a Scholar-Politician on
the Leadership-Peace Nexus and Praxis in Africa
I would like to thank the colleagues and friends who put this conference together for the invitation
extended to me to participate as a keynote speaker this morning. I have been asked to share my
reflections on the vital topic of the leadership-peace nexus in Africa as a Scholar-Politician. In
particular,letmesingleoutDrWaleIsmailwhopesteredmeendlesslyfortheinitiativetaken.Letme
start by saying this is not merely an intellectual exercise for me; it is a subject that has shaped my
personal journey and profoundly influenced my understanding of the challenges we face in our
societies.Allow me to take you back in time, to an era filled with danger, uncertainty and youthful
exuberance. It was the 1980s and 1990s, a period when dissent and activism in my home country-
NigeriaandmanyAfricancountriescarriedreal,deadlyrisks.Duringthosedarkdays,Ifoundmyself
attheforefrontofaresistancemovementagainstamilitarydictatorshipthatsoughttostifledemocracy
and silence opposition. Exile became my reality, as I fought for the very principles that underpin the
topicofdiscussiontoday.
In the face of adversity, I spearheaded the establishment of the opposition radio - Radio Kudirat, a
powerful resistance movement radio station which became the official voice of the Nigerian
opposition to military dictatorship. Through its airwaves, we fearlessly voiced our opposition to the
oppressive regime, fighting for justice, freedom, and the restoration of the 1993 annulled elections. It
is with immense pride and humility that I acknowledge the role my efforts played in paving the way
for Nigeria's eventual transition to democracy. But let me be clear, my involvement in activism was
just one facet of a much broader tapestry of engagements. For over three decades, I delved into
rigorous scholarship, immersing myself in the intricate issues of development, security, and
governance inAfrica.As a scholar, I pursued a PhD in War Studies, specialising in Civil-Military
Relationsandgraduatedfromthesehallowedportalsthirtyyearsago.Iwashonouredtocontributeto
thedevelopmentofnormsandstandardsonpeace-building,conflictmanagementandsecuritysector
governance in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) when I worked
alongside many colleagues like Professors Olonisakin andAlao on the institutional strengthening of
ECOWASthatultimatelypositioneditasthepreeminentregionalintegrationorganisationandonthe
African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) in the continental body - African Union. These
experiences granted me a firsthand understanding of the complexities involved in forging effective
leadershipforpeace.

3. 3
@kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
Reflections of a Scholar-Politician on
the Leadership-Peace Nexus and Praxis in Africa
I also helped other multilateral bodies like UNECA and OECD-DAC and bilateral development
assistanceinstitutionslikeDfIDtodevelopnormsandprinciplesofSecuritySectorGovernance.We
evenworkedondevelopingkeypeaceagreementsthatcontributedtotheresolutionofcrisesinSierra
LeoneandLiberialiketheLomePeaceAgreementandtheAccraPeaceAccord.Throughtheseroles,
Iengagedinshapingpoliciesandstrategiesthataddressedissuesofgovernance,democratisation,and
security sector reform. I did all these through the organisation I led at the time - the Centre for
Democracy and Development (CDD) – a foremost policy think tank and advocacy body which
works on bridging the gap between scholarship and policy on peace building, democratisation and
humansecurity.However,myjourneydidnotstopatscholarshipandadvising.Iacceptedthedareto
immersemyselfinthedenofthelions-thetumultuousworldofNigerianpolitics,arealmknownfor
itschallengesanddemandsonone'sfortitude.Yet,withunwaveringdignity,steelyresolve,civility,and
integrity,Ihavenavigatedthetreacherousminefieldofpartisanpoliticsandemergedheretoreflecton
myexperience.Asatwo-termgovernor,federalminister,andchairoftheNigeriaGovernors'Forum,
I worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between academia, policy, and the realities on the ground and
recentlyemergedasthePresidentoftheForumofGovernorsonthecontinentengagingleadersonthe
dynamicsofconflict,developmentandgovernance.
Implicit inthe overarchingthemeofthisconferenceistheassumptionthatleadershipisanimportant
part of the puzzle that has developed in recent times about peace and peace-building. Based on my
own experience as a scholar and practitioner, I can say from the outset that it is an assumption I can
relate with largely. In matters of peace, security, and stability, leadership matters. However, that is the
easierpartofthetaskathand.
As someone who has held public office, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of
well-crafted policies in improving the lives of individuals. I have seen governance make a tangible
differenceinpeople'slives.Moreover,Ihavebeenawitnesstotheremarkableabilityofleadershipto
inspire and motivate people simply through the sheer force of personal example. I have chosen to
focusontheleadershipanglebecauseIbelievethatwecanmovebeyondtheoreticaldiscussionsand
delve into the realm of practical implementation, leveraging my insider experience as someone who
transitioned from academia to activism to politics. Together, we shall explore the underlying issues,
prospects,andchallengesthatshapeourpursuitofeffectiveleadershipforabrighter,morepeaceful

4. 4
@kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
Reflections of a Scholar-Politician on
the Leadership-Peace Nexus and Praxis in Africa
future for the African continent. In the time available to me, I would like to unpack the
leadership-peace nexus drawing on insights and lessons of experience accumulated during my years
ofsojourninNigerianpoliticsandinvolvementacrossthecontinentinpeacebuilding.
DemystifyingLeadershipintheAfricanGovernanceExperience
Everyone of us in this conference can attest to the fact that the last two decades at least inAfrica has
witnessed a considerable investment in leadership development on the continent.The wide range of
initiativesthat have been launched mostly came from a good place:An observed failure, deficit, or
dearth of leadership which seemed to compound the problems of a continent already saddled with
manydifficulties.Therewasalsoadesiredeliberatelytonurtureandequipanextgenerationofleaders
whowouldhavethenecessaryaptitude,vision,andsavvytonavigateanincreasinglycomplexworld.
Noonecanquarrelwiththeunderlyingthinkingthatfiredinterestinthemanyleadershipprogrammes
and projects that sprang up across the continent. However, there was also inbuilt into that thinking, a
gapwhichwasnotadequatelytakenintoaccount:Theneededinstitutionalframeworkandprocesses
within which leadership can effectively exercise its role. It did not take me long after my entry into
Nigerian politics to wake up to this reality. Leaders may be well-intentioned and even well-groomed
but without the functioning and effective institutional system in place, their efforts will be severely
constrained.
TheassumptioninmostAfricancountriesthatleadershipissimplyaboutgettingtherightindividuals
into office and then watch him/her from the sidelines apply his/her magical powers to resolving all
societalproblemsisasfalseasitismisleading.OneofthefirstlessonsIlearntisthatleadershipisnot
a solo effort but a team one. It is best exercised when it is underpinned with an appropriate
infrastructureofpolicy,politics,andpower.Itscriticalactionsarebestsustainednotbythecharismaof
oneleadershipfigurebutbythebroadnessoftheconsensusthatisbuiltaroundthemandthebeneficial
impactwhichtheyregister.
The tendency in mainstream literature to portray the leader as the author or source of all policies and
actions is one which also requires, based on my experience, to be nuanced. The drivers of public
policies are numerous. They exist within and outside the governmental system. The individual who
sitsatthetopofthepoliticalandadministrativesystemmay,symbolically,haveultimatemoraland

5. @kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
Reflections of a Scholar-Politician on
the Leadership-Peace Nexus and Praxis in Africa
material responsibility for all the acts of omission and commission that involve government but it is
erroneoustoassumes/hehassoleoreventotalownershipofthoseacts.Apoliticalleadermayassume
responsibility for the actions of the government - as should be expected - but May in fact not be the
authororownerofallsuchactions.
The foregoing explains why for me, leadership is not simply or solely about absolutised power
exercise in a monopolistic fashion. Rather, it is about the dexterity to manage contending
socio-political currents within and outside government in a manner that gives citizens an assurance
thatthereisanauthoritywhoisultimatelyinchargebothasactor,catalyst,referee,andconscience.A
successful leader is not the one who is portrayed or self-portrays as omnipotent, omnipresent, and/or
omniscient.Rathersuccessisbuiltwithintheframeworkof
a capability to balance the demands of an equitable governance and the calls of service with the
exigencies of leading society to new and greater heights through a careful nurturing of the collective
ambitionsofthepopulaceforprogressandtransformation.
Understood in terms of a bearer of the public purpose, the leader, in the true deconstruction of the
notion,willnotonlyhaveadutytorepresentthewillofthepeoplebutalsoadutytoensurethatonly
the forward-looking, inclusive, secular, and cosmopolitan in the expression of the public will are
harnessedanddeployedforsocietaladvancement.ThisisapointwhichImaderepeatedlyindifferent
ways to my colleagues in government at the state and federal levels; it is an issue which I always
reiteratedtomypeersasGovernorsandMinisters.
The temptation is always very strong as a leader to take the simple, even simplistic option of just
flowing with the wind in the name of following the expressed will of the “people”. And yet, the
“people” may, based on the limited information and perspective at their disposal, be driven to mass
action in a particular direction. Leaders, on the other hand, are privy to a much broader information
baseanddiverseperspectivesonaccountoftheirroleandduties.Theyhavearesponsibility,therefore,
to listen carefully to their publics, but also a duty to lead those publics in the interpretative narratives
that can make the difference between stability and chaos, peace and conflict, and security and
insecurity.
Thisistheonlysenseinwhichforme,leadershipcanbeseenandunderstoodasrepresentingahigher
calling:Anabilitytounderstandthemanycontradictionsthatshapeeverydaylifeandtobeableto
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6. @kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
Reflections of a Scholar-Politician on
the Leadership-Peace Nexus and Praxis in Africa
relate to them in the way they are played out in the experiences of the populace but a refusal to be
imprisoned by those same contradictions, seeking instead to rise above them and to carry a critical
massofthepopulacealong.Ihave,inthisregardasapublicfigureandpolitician,hadmanyoccasions
to try to balance the exigencies of short-term gain with the imperatives of a medium and long-term
outcomewhichwillultimatelybebeneficialtoall-oratleasttotheresoundingmajority.
I have to confess that this balancing act is not always easy. It involves a readiness to sacrifice some
immediate popularity that an unbridled populism may confer for a more enduring, longer term, and
sustainablebenefitthatamoresoberandconsideredchoicemayoffer.Itcarriestheriskthatafocuson
theultimategoodmaynotevenbeappreciatedbyapublicthatisintentoninstantgratificationinone
formoranother.TherearemanystoriesIcantellaboutthis,includingthemuchquotednotionofthe
“stomachexpansionexercisesthatItriedtopursueasGovernorduringmyfirstterm.
Leadershipisnot,therefore,thebedofrosesitmaysometimesbeportrayedtobe.Itis,infact,aschool
oflife,repletewithmanyteachingandlearningmomentsthatareoftennotcapturedinmostcurricula.
Theleaderwhoisonapermanentlifelongtrajectoryoflearningwhilstalsosharingisonewhocanbe
describedasliving,notdeadenedbythealluresofofficeandpower.Andthereareleadersofthatkind
who have traversed our political, social, economic, and cultural universes, leaving their mark in the
sands of time as references for us to emulate. For those who have had as their vacation the study of
leadership in Africa, it is an invitation to be much more critical of the omnibus stereotypes of
leadershiponthecontinentaspopularisedbytheneo-patrimonialschool,forexample.
LeadershipforaJustandSustainablePeace
I have taken the time to dwell on the importance of unpacking our understanding of leadership as a
preludetodelvingintomytakeonthenexusbetweenleadershipandpeace.Here,itisalsoimportant
toclarifyfromtheoutsetthatpeace,asmanyhere-FunmiOlonisakin,AbiodunAlao,WaleIsmail,etc
-haveextensivelywrittenabout,isnotsimplytheabsenceofviolentconflictand/oropeninstability.I
amalsoofthestrongviewthatforleadershiptocontributetowinningandsustainingthepeace,itmust
on a constant and ongoing basis pay attention to the underlying and structural drivers of conflict that
are embedded in our societies and which can sometimes prove to be unyielding or difficult to uproot
decisively.Theymust,nevertheless,betackledfrontallyasafirstlineresponsibilityofleaders.
Of thestructuraldriversofconflictandinstabilitythatunderminethepeaceinAfrica,two
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7. @kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
Reflections of a Scholar-Politician on
the Leadership-Peace Nexus and Praxis in Africa
inter-connected ones are particularly important to me: poverty and inequality. The twin problems of
povertyandinequalityhas,inrecentyears,beenthescourgeofdevelopmentinAfrica.Itisattheroot
ofthemanyothercontradictions,failings,andshortcomingsthathavefeddiscontentandfueledpublic
anger.Iargue,andmanyhereIamsurewillagree,thatthesetwinproblemsareattheheartofthecrisis
of development and cohesion which we are witnessing all around us. They provide the underlying
context for understanding why religious extremism, ethnic irredentism, inter-communal conflicts,
gender-based violence, inter-generational discords, and a multifaceted criminality have been on the
ascendancy.
For those who have spent the better part of their time conflating cause and symptom or abstracting
symptoms from context and absolutising them as independent variables, the point that needs to be
reiteratedfortheirbenefitisthattheregularAfricandoesnotwakeupthinkingprimarilyabouthowto
driveanethnic,sectional,orreligiousagenda.Tobesure,weareallbearersofmultipleidentitiesand
inthepluralcontextsin
which we function, we are called upon to negotiate these identities on an ongoing basis. They,
however, assume a parochial dimension under given circumstances. Poverty and inequality, as they
expand and ossify, have been known to feed into parochialisms, irredentism, and exclusionary
ideologiesofvariouskinds.Andthisiswhereleadershipofapoliticalconsciousandenlightenedtype
isrequired.
A primary duty of any political leadership is the incremental improvement in the welfare, social
mobility, and wellness of the citizenry, the security of the populace, the cohesion of society, and the
enhancementoftheproductivecapacityofthecountry.Theseareallcloselyinter-connectedpurposes
ofnation-buildingandstatecraft.Theycomprisethefirstorderdomainsofleadershipactionbywhich
ajustpeacemaybesecuredandsustained.Investingcontinuouslyandassiduouslyinthemensuresthe
existence of the core foundational pillars upon which other things can be added in order to nurture a
cultureofjustandsustainablepeaceinthegovernancesystem.Itisanimportantlessonwelearntvery
quicklyasagovernmentinEkitiStatewhereweintroducedaraftofsocialpolicyinitiativesdesigned
to address some of the root causes of the various discontents that were threatening societal harmony
andpoliticalorder.AndwedidthesedespitethefactthatEkitiisnotamongtherichestofthestatesthat
makeuptheNigerianfederation.
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8. @kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
Reflections of a Scholar-Politician on
the Leadership-Peace Nexus and Praxis in Africa
Asnotedintheforegoing,tacklingthestructuraldriversofexclusionandsocialinjusticeisasinequa
non for winning the just peace. Building on this, the most enlightened leadership also invests itself in
nurturing the management of diversity at different levels and in different departments. Ethnic and
religious diversities are , understandably, usually the most frequently cited areas where a concerted
effort is required to manage diversity but they are not the only ones. Leaders also need to understand
and nurture a culture of pluralism, secularism, and cosmopolitanism in order to ensure that every
citizenisgivenanopportunitytoexplore,experiment,andexhaleinthepursuitoftheirambitionsfor
self-actualisation.The real hope which a citizen may hold that a better day is possible, and not just a
mirageoraforlornhope,isusuallysufficienttokeepthemengaged.Thefactthatcitizensfeelthatthey
have a real fighting chance to build a better tomorrow for themselves is normally a sufficient
foundationonwhichtowintheirconsentandpatrioticcommitmenttothecommongood.
In an age of massive awareness propelled by the revolution in information and communication
technologies,leadersofallcategoriesareundermuchgreaterscrutinythanperhapseverbefore.Inmy
view, long term peace that is just must also be accompanied with leadership by example. Today’s
leaderinahighlynetworkedworldfunctioningonafasttrackmustconsciouslyandconsistentlystrive
to be an embodiment of the values and norms that make for good society where every citizen can
aspire to be at peace with themselves and their fellow compatriots. This is not to say that there must
always be perfection; perfection in all human affairs is an ideal which we strive for on a continuous
basisinourcollectivequestforanunfinishedgreatness.WhatIamcallingforisthatleadership,aspart
ofitscommitmenttoajustpeace,mustalsomakeexcellenceawatchword.
OnDemocracy,LeadershipandPeaceinAfrica
Africahas,unfortunately,witnessedincreasedinsecuritywhichismanifestingthroughtheoutbreakof
devastating conflicts the latest of which are occurring in the Horn ofAfrica, in Ethiopia and Sudan.
Official estimates put the fatalities from the Tigray conflict alone at over 600,000 deaths while the
ongoing carnage in Sudan has already accounted for close to a thousand deaths and hundreds of
thousands displaced.The continent is also witnessing increased activities of rogue and/or mercenary
groups, whose modus operandi reflects the transnational nature of organised crime, such as the
Wagnergroup’soperationsintheSahelandpartsoftheHornofAfrica-furtherfuellingconflicts.This
is reminiscent of the role of Sandline and Executive Outcomes in the 1990s. Added to this is the
increasingoccurrenceofmilitarycoupd'etatsandunconstitutionalchangeofgovernmentsonthe
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9. @kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
Reflections of a Scholar-Politician on
the Leadership-Peace Nexus and Praxis in Africa
continent, as seen in Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Sudan and failed attempts in Guinea Bissau
and Niger. Many of these changes are also linked to increased geopolitical contests across the globe.
Forexample,ChadenjoysthesupportofFranceandMali,GuineaandBurkinaFasoenjoythesupport
ofRussia.
What is not in doubt is that these conflicts have hampered development, perpetuated poverty, and
shatteredthesocialfabricofournations.Buttheyhavealsoservedasasoberingreminderoftheurgent
need to address the leadership-peace nexus. We have to acknowledge that there’s been a leadership
deficit in response to conflict, especially in the last decade and this directly affects the quality and
quantity of collective decisions and interventions made to address shared security threats , as well as
thecollectiveapproachtodevelopmentofpeaceandsecuritypolicy.Thedeficithasresultedinlimited
ornoactiontodealwiththemostseverethreatstoourpeaceandstability.Twoexamples-ittookthe
African Union close to a year to work out a formula to tackle the Tigray conflict, the worst global
conflict so far in the 21st century. We are also witnessing, rather helplessly, the unfolding carnage in
Sudan,withouttheoperationalisationofanyframeworkorroadmap,threemonthsaftertheoutbreak
of the conflict. This has exposed the weak underbelly of our regional and sub-regional institutions
mandatedtotacklethreatstopeaceandstability.
We cannot afford to overlook the interplay between effective leadership and sustainable peace if we
aretoachievetheprosperousfutureweenvisionforourcontinent.Thereisnodoubtthatthepolitical
will of African leaders has reduced considerably. The challenge to APSA and other normative
frameworksisnotemanatingfromthelackofqualityorproveneffectivenessoftheAfricanPeaceand
Security Architecture. There is empirical evidence on the successes recorded over time in direct
peacemakinginterventionsbyAfricanstates,bythecontinentalbodyAfricanUnion,bytheRegional
EconomicCommunitiessuchasECOWAS.Thechallengeisalackofpoliticalwillandaction.
To address these challenges and work towards sustainable peace, it is crucial to emphasise the
interdependence between leadership and peacebuilding. There is a need for a new generation of
leaderswhopossessthepotentialtobridgedividesandpromotepeaceandsecurity.Youngpeople fit
into this box as they are capable of transcending fixed identities, advocating for diversity, justice,
reconciliation, accountability, and transparency. By empowering individuals to become agents of
change,leadershipbecomescentraltotheprocessoftransformationandpeace.Creatingaspacefor
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10. @kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
Reflections of a Scholar-Politician on
the Leadership-Peace Nexus and Praxis in Africa
non-partisan, unbiased, and neutral approaches is essential in fostering unity among people. This
requires moving away from divisive narratives and embracing values such as compassion,
cooperation,andcare.
While military interventions and political strategies have often taken precedence in addressing
conflicts,itisvitaltoprioritiseahumanitarianapproachtohealingandsocialtransformationalongside
these measures. Rebuilding for justice and peace should involve everyone, replacing impunity and
separatist narratives with compassion and dignity for all. It is essential to acknowledge the lived
realities of those most affected by conflicts and to engage in meaningful conversations to address the
fractureswithinsociety.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the significance of leadership in driving
sustainable development inAfrica.TheAfrican Union, regional organisations, and various initiatives
have focused on leadership development programs, capacity building, and promoting ethical and
accountable leadership. Intellectual elites, including academics, researchers, and professionals, have
alsoplayedacrucialroleinshapingAfricanleadershipontheseissues.TheAfricanLeadershipCentre
here at King’s College has been central in that peace leadership development. The Centre provides
expertise, knowledge and critical thinking that has informed policy decisions and contributed to the
developmentofeffectiveleadershippractices,normsandprocesses.Creatingaspacefornon-partisan,
unbiasedandneutralapproachesisparamountforfosteringpeaceandunityandoneorganisationthat
I'mmostlyfamiliarwithwhichhassuccessfullybroughttogetherofficialandnon-governmentalactors
inthelasttwodecadesisECOWAS.
TheRoleofRegionalOrganisationsinPeacebuilding:TheECOWASCase
The leadership-peace-development nexus can be observed through the experience of the Economic
Community ofWestAfrican States (ECOWAS) since the late 1980s. Initially established in 1975 to
foster economic and social integration inWestAfrica, ECOWAS set ambitious goals related to trade
expansion, infrastructure improvement, monetary cooperation, and strengthening production
structures. However, the outbreak of devastating civil wars in countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone,
Guinea Bissau, and Côte d'Ivoire led to a shift in priorities. ECOWAS had to de-emphasise its
economic objectives and focus on resolving conflicts and restoring peace in the region, with Nigeria
playingakeyrole-particularlyatatimethatwitnessedthelossoftheimperialsecurityumbrella.Just
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11. @kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
Reflections of a Scholar-Politician on
the Leadership-Peace Nexus and Praxis in Africa
asKofiAnnanreflectedintheUNAgendaforPeacedeclaration,itbecameclearthattherecanbeno
peace without development and there can be no development without peace and security. Sitting at
that intersection is the capable state, providing good governance and delivering public goods to the
people. This experience highlighted the need to prioritise security before development, prompting
ECOWAS to adopt a strategy centred on good governance, human rights, and peaceful conflict
resolutionasthefoundationsforsustainabledevelopment.
However,inlightofemergingthreatstopeaceandstability,itiscrucialtofosteracollectiveresponse.
Almost two decades ago, we advocated for institutionalised collaboration between ECOWAS and
Civil Society in WestAfrica, leading to the establishment of the WestAfrica Civil Society Forum
(WACSOF). We were able to do that at the time because the leadership at ECOWAS also saw the
need to deepen engagements with civil society and promote a citizens’ driven rather than a
government centred ECOWAS. Unfortunately, WACSOF has fallen short of its intended objectives
for various reasons. It is encouraging to see efforts underway to revitalise WACSOF with active
involvement from ECOWAS. Furthermore, it is essential for the ECOWAS Commission to
consistently collaborate with Member States and Civil Society in implementing its programs.
ECOWAS cannot exist in isolation and must remain connected to its constituent units - the Member
StatesandCivilSociety,itscoreconstituency.Therefore,therhetoricof"MovingfromanECOWAS
ofStatesintoanECOWASoftheCitizens"mustbematchedwithconcreteaction.
Earlier, I mentioned previous attempts at institutional reforms and the development of norms and
processesthatECOWASpioneeredthreedecadesagonowfacingvaryingdegreesofnon-adherence
or being intentionally derailed or frustrated for political reasons. For ECOWAS to thrive, it must
evolveintoaneffectiveandmodern21st-centurybureaucracy;otherwise,itrisksbecomingobsolete.
Member States should allow the organisation to lead in deepening these norms and standards.
Regarding leadership at the highest level in ECOWAS, we have witnessed multiple Executive
Secretaries or Presidencies over the past three decades, each with varying degrees of success. It is
evident that appointments based on meritocracy and excellence have made a positive impact on the
organisation. Member States should therefore nominate the most qualified individuals from their
countries to represent them in ECOWAS.The expectations of the 21st century demand that they no
longersend"banishedpoliticians"orblindlyloyalindividuals,butrathercompetentandtrustedpublic
servantstotheECOWASCommission.
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12. @kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
Reflections of a Scholar-Politician on
the Leadership-Peace Nexus and Praxis in Africa
Equally,whilemilitaryinterventionsandpoliticalstrategieshaveoftentakenprecedenceinaddressing
conflicts and ECOWAS has again been a leader in this regard with its pioneering work in Sierra
Leone, Liberia, Guinea Bissau and Cote d’Ivoire, it is also imperative to prioritise a humanitarian
approach to healing and social transformation alongside these measures. Rebuilding for justice and
peace requires the active involvement of everyone, replacing impunity and separatist narratives with
compassionanddignityforall.Itiscrucialtoacknowledgethelivedrealitiesofthosemostaffectedby
conflictsandengageinmeaningfulconversationstoaddresssocietalfractures.
SCHOLAR-POLITICIAN-TRANSITIONINGFROMACADEMIATOPOLITICS
Since you asked me to speak to you as a scholar-politician, another issue of interest to me is the
importanceofharmonyinthispseudo-division.Intellectualelites,comprisingacademics,researchers,
and professionals, play a vital role in shaping leadership in Africa. Our expertise, knowledge, and
critical thinking are instrumental in informing policy decisions and advancing effective leadership
practices.Butwheredoestheintersectionbetweenacademia,activismandpoliticstakeplace?There
exists the impression that there is a difference between academia, activism and politics, and that it
requires moving from one to the other. If one follows this line of thought, one might be tempted to
assume that the three – politics, activism and academia – are mutually exclusive.There have always
been attempts both in recent times and in our not so recent past to make a distinction between those
who engage in advanced study, research and intellectual pursuits, those who stand at the barricades
seekingchangeintheirquestforabettersociety,andthosewhowieldpowerinpoliticsindefenceof
theState.
Indeed, theories have been propounded about State-society relations deepening the difference
between civil society, academia and political society. Scholars or intellectuals can sometimes be
perceivedasdetachedfromreal-worldissues,overlyfocusedontheoreticaldebates,anddisconnected
frompracticalsolutionsorsocietalimpact.Ontheotherhand,activistsareoftenseenasoccupyingthe
moral high ground, resolute in their campaign for what they believe in, often living in utopia in the
quest of the unattainable and generally obstinate in the pursuit of their beliefs. While politicians are
seentobejanus-faced–ontheonehand,charismatic,visionary,fascinatingandsophisticated,andon
theother,repulsive,cynical,calculating,andopportunistic.Myowninterestthismorningisreallynot
to indulge in any deep philosophical or political arguments about these distinctions - many of which
youarefamiliarwithbuttosimplyexplore–basedonmylimitedexperience,thepossibilitiesof
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13. @kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
Reflections of a Scholar-Politician on
the Leadership-Peace Nexus and Praxis in Africa
harmony in this pseudo-dichotomy – to explain that this pattern of categorising people is at best a
luxury,andatworstirrelevantinourownsetting.
I am going to suggest that this pseudo-divide of academia, activism and politics has impeded our
abilitiestoconnectwitheachotherandworktogethertowardsamorepositivefuture.Iamconvinced
that the structuring of actors on the basis of either/or, and us/them with one of the other being valued
moreleadstodominationandweneedtoreallytryasmuchaspossibletoavoidsuchseparationand
fragmentation and work towards community and cohesion. Consequently, I intend to argue that
politics – properly conducted - is a form of social activism and scholarly engagement and another
stage in the struggle to restore the dignity of humankind – an integrated continuum rather than
discretely compartmentalised oppositional phenomena, often complicated and contradictory, but
mostlyinthequesttomakeafundamentaldifferenceinacontinentthatlookssodivided,engulfedin
conflict,andprevailingsecurityanddevelopmentchallenges.
Thisiswhyperhapstheissueshouldnotbeoneoftransitiontopoliticsfromscholarshiporvice-versa
but how best to prioritise citizen participation in our fledgling democracies. The discussion should
revolve around fostering effective leadership, nurturing active citizenship, and promoting a good
society because without direct citizen engagement, the legitimacy of our political institutions will
continuetodecline.Itisessentialforpoliticalleaders,whetherpoliticiansorscholars,tobeconcerned
abouttheerosionoftrustandparticipationfromaveragecitizens,asitunderminestheirabilitytolead
effectivelyandjeopardisesthegovernanceofoursociety.Conversely,whenpeoplelosetrustinleaders
or disregard politicians, it weakens our democratic institutions and puts us at risk of becoming
ungovernable. This, in part, has been responsible for the conflict ridden situations in many of our
countries.
Whilepoliticsmayhavelostitsedgegloballyandlocally,scholarsplayavitalroleinthediscourseby
critically examining governance, conflict, peace-building and its limitations within a predominantly
statistworld.Scholarsprovideinsightsintothecomplexitiesoflocalanduniversalideals,theneedfor
institutional restructuring, and the relationship between scholarship and politics. They analyse the
impact of sudden changes changes, structural conflict prevention mechanisms, governance and
leadership,aswellasthesubsequent challengesfacedinasociety.Scholarsraisequestionsaboutthe
balance between principle and pragmatism, the potential limitations of military-directed transitions,
peaceprocesses,andtheriskofneo-militarismovershadowingcivilian,democraticaspirations.They
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14. @kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
Reflections of a Scholar-Politician on
the Leadership-Peace Nexus and Praxis in Africa
advocate for a deeper understanding of the nature and implications of democratic openings, urging
carefulconsiderationofthemilitarisedlanguageandcharacterofpublicdiscourse.
While it is understandable that intellectuals approach the political arena with caution, in hindsight,
scholars and members of civil society, including myself, now recognise that completely abstaining
frompoliticalparticipationisatacticalmistake.ForinstanceinNigeria,
the subsequent dominance of the party hierarchy after the return of democracy in 1999 by retired
military generals and their close civilian allies established an environment conducive to authoritarian
presidential governance and merely reconfigured the political landscape instead of transforming
politics. However, despite these circumstances, we could have initiated the process of organising
ourselvesalongpoliticallinesinsteadofdwellingsolelyonthedominanceoftheseelements.Afterall,
we were the ones who risked our lives to fight for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria, only to
withdrawfromthepoliticalarenawhenpowerwasseeminglywithinreach.
In the end, we find ourselves in a democracy without democrats, resulting in a persistent crisis of
governancedespiteourbestefforts.Theexpectationsofourcitizenswerethatdemocracywouldend
military dictatorship, increase ordinary people's participation in politics, and bring tangible
improvements in areas such as employment, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and basic needs.
However,beyondelectoraldemocracy,ithasbecomeevidentthatthenation-stateitselfisasourceof
recurrentconflict.InNigeria,eventhosewithstrongnationalistbackgroundshavebegunquestioning
thecountry'sviabilityunderacentralisedstate.Constitutionalreformisseenasessentialtoestablishing
and sustaining democratic institutions capable of addressing deepening conflicts. In spite of this,
sectarian violence, communal clashes, ethno-religious tensions, and rising discontent in various parts
of Nigeria may not indicate a failing democracy, but rather a maturing democracy characterised by
conflict and contradictions that should be resolved through mediation, deliberation, negotiations and
genuine leadership. In my opinion, genuine leadership should inspire people to address issues at the
local level, rather than reinforcing the dominance of the state over its citizens. It should focus on
building and strengthening political institutions that can mediate between individual and group
interests. The remnants of authoritarianism in politics have discouraged many from engaging in
politics, although they remain active in their academic endeavours, professions, neighbourhood
associations and community projects. The key challenge of political leadership therefore is to
reconnect democratic choices with people's daily experiences and extend democratic principles to
everydaysituationswithincitizens'communitiesandconstituencies.
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15. @kfayemi @JKFayemi John Kayode Fayemi PhD.
Reflections of a Scholar-Politician on
the Leadership-Peace Nexus and Praxis in Africa
Political discourse that is consistently negative can alienate ordinary people and contribute to growing
cynicismanddisengagementfrompolitics,aphenomenonnotuniquetoAfricabutexperiencedworldwide.
Ifscholarsandacademicschoosetoabstainfromparticipatinginthepoliticalprocess,weriskallowingthe
political sphere to be dominated by special interests, populist demagoguery and ethnic divisions that
prioritise their own agendas.To address this, many of us in the Nigerian academia and civil society have
soughtamiddleground,utilisingourexpertisetobridgethegapbetweenintellectualismandpartisanpolitics.
We believe that effective leadership and good governance are essential for sustained peace and must be
relevanttopeople'slives,addressingissueslikecorruption,transparency,andimprovingthewell-beingof
citizens.Poverty,oppression,andinsecuritycreatefertilegroundforviolence,andAfricansnotonlydesire
democracybutalsotangibleimprovementsintheirlivesthatcreateapeacefulanddignifiedenvironment.
Inmytwodecadesofworkingwiththegovernment,Ihavecometorealisetheimportanceofdemocratising
formal and informal institutions for collective responsibility and the exercise of state power. Rather than
solely relying on academics and civil society, genuine democracy should involve a rich ecosystem of
associationalandorganisationallife,nourishedthrougheverydaystruggles.
We should avoid overestimating the capacity of intellectuals to challenge the power of nation-states or
corporations.Instead,weshouldcombinetheorganicdevelopmentofautonomousinstitutionswiththeuse
ofpublicandstatepowerforeffectivemediationandchange.Ratherthandwellingonmissedopportunities,
weshouldfocusonempoweringcitizensasagentsofchange,restoringcommunitarianvalues,andcreating
afutureofhopeandpeaceforourpeople.Torevitaliseourcontinentandimprovethelivesofourpeople,we
must bridge the gap between scholarship, activism and politics, recognising that the engagement of
intellectual,academic,andcivilsocietyiscrucialforthehealthandlegitimacyofthestate.Bystrengthening
institutions, promoting public participation, and pursuing the common good, we can achieve individual
contentmentandcollectiveprogress,ultimatelyreachingourdesireddestinationinourlifetime.
ConcludingRemarks
Theinvitationwhichyoukindlyextendedtometosharesomereflectionswithyoutodayisanimportant
partofaprocessofstock-takingwhichIhaveembarkedupon.Iamexpectingthistoculminateinabookon
lessonsofexperiencefrommysojourninpoliticsandgovernment.Iamcertainthatwhenthetimecomes,
youwillbekindtomeagaintooffermeaplatformtosharesomeextractsfromthatbook.Inthemeantime,
IthankyouforyourkindattentionasIsharedmytakeontheleadership-peacenexusinAfrica.
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