Albert Science International Organization

ARTICLE DESCRIPTION: -

Olamuyiwa Solomon Oluwafemi, Olamuyiwa Oluwaseun Oluwadamilola, Transformational Leadership and the African Union: Rethinking Conflict Resolution in Africa, ASIO Journal of Humanities, Management & Social Sciences Invention (ASIO-JHMSSI), 2026, 10(1): 06-11.

Olamuyiwa Solomon Oluwafemi¹, Olamuyiwa Oluwaseun Oluwadamilola^2*

¹Independent Consultant, Free Movement, Mobility and Humanitarian Affairs. African Union Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

² Doctoral Researcher, Corporate Governance, International Leadership University, Nairobi, Kenya

Doi : 10.2016-14781119; https://doi-ds.org/doilink/02.2026-33416325/ASIO-JHMSSI/10.2016-14781119/V10/I1/754/OOO

ABSTRACT:-

The presence of violent conflicts across Africa continues to challenge the effectiveness of continental mechanisms for peace and conflict resolution. While the African Union (AU) has established standard structures and institutions for conflict resolution, implementation gaps and leadership failure often weaken its effectiveness. This article interrogates the role of transformational leadership in strengthening the AU’s conflict management architecture, arguing that leadership style is a vital but under explored variable in the success of conflict resolution in Africa. Drawing on transformational leadership theory, the research examines how vision-driven, ethically grounded, and change-oriented leadership can influence AU's conflict-resolution strategies in Africa and beyond. Employing a qualitative approach, the study integrates qualitative analysis of AU policy documents and case studies of interventions in selected conflict-prone states. Findings reveal that transformational leadership promotes greater stakeholder trust, encourages institutional accountability, and fosters inclusive dialogue. These factors improve the sustainability of peace agreements. On the other hand, transactional and authoritarian leadership styles tend to reinforce short-term resolutions and showcase structural weaknesses. The study contributes to African governance discourse by situating transformational leadership as a normative and practical framework for rethinking conflict resolution in Africa. It recommends embedding leadership development within AU peace building and conflict resolution initiatives, strengthening ethical accountability mechanisms, and cultivating visionary leaders capable of mobilizing joint action across African states. Finally, the research underscores that lasting peace in Africa requires not only institutional reforms but also a paradigm shift in leadership practice.

Keywords: Transformational Leadership, Conflict resolution, peace building, Africa.

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