National Peace Institutions and Public Policy: Institutional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding

Abstract

Peace remains the cornerstone of human progress, social stability, and sustainable development. Yet, Africa, particularly West Africa, has been plagued by recurrent conflicts, coups, and fragile democratization processes. Despite the existence of regional and sub-regional security mechanisms such as the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) conflict prevention protocols, the continent continues to grapple with instability. This manuscript advances the argument that the establishment of National Peace Institutions (NPIs) across African states, linked to regional and sub-regional organisations, can provide a transformative framework for peacebuilding. Drawing upon liberal structuralist theory, Johan Galtung’s concept of positive peace, and public policy analysis, the study critiques the limitations of realist security paradigms and proposes institutional innovations rooted in African cultural, social, and political contexts. Using empirical insights, comparative case studies, and policy frameworks such as Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR), Security Sector Reform (SSR), and the UN Peacebuilding Architecture, the manuscript explores how NPIs can serve as vehicles for conflict prevention, peace education, early warning systems, and sustainable governance. The findings underscore the need for a paradigm shift from militarised “negative peace” to inclusive, justice-oriented “positive peace” through institutionalised public policy mechanisms.