Realism in Nigeria-Chad Diplomatic Relations and the Need for Conflict Transformation

Nigeria and Chad have a history of bilateral relations dating from the pre-colonial era till present. This study adopts the realist theory in interpreting the relations between the two neighbouring countries of the Lake Chad region. The purpose of the study is to highlight the realist behaviour displayed by both countries and the shortcomings of this relational model while proposing the transformation of their bilateral relations. The paper revealed that the realist behaviour manifested in Nigeria's expulsion of Chadian citizens, the closure of Nigeria's border with Chad and Nigeria's intervention in the Chadian civil war (1965-1979). On the other hand, Chad has demonstrated her coercive power by expelling Nigerian neutral troops from its territory as well as invading Nigerian islands in the Lake Chad Basin in 1983. The study maintains that both states have engaged in the coercive manipulation of power as a way of influencing the behaviour of each other, thereby worsening their relationship. The study recommends a speedy transformation of bilateral and security agreements between the two countries, especially as the regions battles insurgency.