Nigeria’s Dr Chukwuemeka Eze makes waves in peacebuilding, governance, conflict resolution in Africa
Story by Ayanda NGWANE
Dr Chukwuemeka B. Eze is a distinguished peacebuilding and governance expert with over 26 years of experience in Africa’s peace, security, and democratic development sector. Currently serving as the Director for Just and Inclusive Democratic Futures in Africa at the Open Society Foundations (OSF) in Nairobi, Kenya, he has been at the forefront of pioneering innovative governance initiatives and strengthening democratic resilience across the continent.
“At the core of Africa’s transformation is the need to reimagine democracy—not just as a system but as a culture rooted in inclusivity, justice, and leadership that serves the people,” says Dr. Eze.
Transformative Leadership and Institutional Development
At OSF, Dr. Eze leads the development and implementation of groundbreaking programs focused on reimagining democracy in Africa. His work includes establishing Afro-centric leadership centers, designing curricula, toolkits, and methodologies tailored to Africa’s unique governance landscape. Since assuming this role in September 2024, he has played a pivotal role in shaping policies and frameworks aimed at fostering inclusive and just democratic systems.
Before joining OSF, Dr. Eze made significant contributions as the Executive Director of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) from 2015 to 2024, and earlier as its Program Director from 2010 to 2015. Under his leadership, WANEP strengthened its reputation as a key player in conflict prevention and resolution across West Africa. He supervised WANEP’s collaboration with the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), ensuring that conflict early warning systems were effectively utilised to prevent violence and instability in the region.
“I believe that peacebuilding is not just about preventing conflict but about building societies that are resilient, just, and able to navigate differences constructively,” Dr. Eze emphasizes.
Pioneering Early Warning Systems and Mediation Efforts
Dr. Eze has played a crucial role in developing national peace architectures across Africa, including:
● Developing the Early Warning System for the Government of South Sudan (2009) to monitor and prevent conflict.
● Designing South Sudan’s Election Early Warning System (2023) to enhance electoral transparency and security.
● Supervising WANEP’s conflict early warning data contributions to ECOWAS and AU’s African Continental Early Warning System (African Reporter).
● Leading WANEP’s Election Monitoring, Analysis, and Mitigation (E-MAM) project in 10 West African countries.
● Supporting AU and ECOWAS Track I mediation processes, particularly in resolving electoral disputes.
● Serving as Senior Adviser on Mediation and Political Dialogue to the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Guinea Bissau (2016-2017).
In 2024, he developed the Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transition (AFSIT) methodology guidance note, a landmark initiative providing structured support for inclusive governance transitions.
Academic and Professional Contributions
Beyond his institutional leadership, Dr. Eze is a respected academic, teaching peacebuilding practice at several prestigious institutions, including:
● Institute for Peace, Conflict, and Development Studies, ESUT
● Technische Universität Berg Akademie Freiberg, Germany
● University of Utah, USA
● Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre
● West Africa Peacebuilding Institute
He has authored numerous journal articles, books, and research papers that have shaped discourse on peacebuilding, governance, and conflict resolution in Africa.
Honours, Fellowships, and Board Memberships
Dr. Eze’s expertise and contributions have earned him multiple fellowships and leadership roles, including:
● Life Member of the Governing Council, Pioneer Deputy Registrar, and current Deputy President of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators of Nigeria (ICMC).
● Fellow and Board Member of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP).
● Fellow of the Danish Fellowship Program in Copenhagen, Denmark.
A Legacy of Impact
With over 17 years in senior management, Dr. Eze has led organizations, supervised over 200 staff across West Africa, and managed multi-million-dollar donor-funded projects from institutions such as USAID, EU, SIDA, DANIDA, ADA, OXFAM, IBIS, and national governments. His deep understanding of African Peace and Security Architecture, ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework, and strategic mediation processes has made him a sought-after expert in peacebuilding and governance.
Reflecting on his work, Dr Eze states: “Africa’s future depends on the choices we make today whether to invest in peace, strengthen democratic institutions, or promote inclusive governance. The path we choose will define generations to come.”
As he continues to champion democratic resilience, governance innovation, and conflict resolution, Dr. Chukwuemeka Eze’s influence will remain instrumental in shaping Africa’s peace and democratic landscape.
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