Leadership for Human Security: Bridging the Gap between State-Centric Security and Community Resilience

Authors: Ikwuoma Sunday Udochukwu, Obi Chinenye Blessing & Ojo Idowu Akinwumi

Volume: 6 | Issue: 1 | Year: 2025

Abstract

This study critically examines how leadership can integrate the human security paradigm into Africa’s predominantly statecentric security governance frameworks. While traditional approaches continue to prioritise territorial integrity and regime stability, they often overlook the everyday insecurities faced by communities from violent conflict and terrorism to climate-related and socio-economic threats. Drawing on the Human Security Framework and Participatory Governance Theory, the study uses a documentary approach based on secondary data and thematic analysis to explore local security initiatives, including community policing and vigilante groups, and the tensions they create when poorly aligned with formal structures. The findings highlight the importance of leadership that balances top-down institutional authority with bottom-up community resilience. The study recommends practical policy pathways for African leaders and regional bodies to mainstream people-centred security, strengthen participatory practices, and institutionalise community ownership without undermining formal accountability. By bridging the gap between state security and community needs, the research argues that human security can become a realistic governance priority across diverse African contexts. Keywords: Human Security, Participatory Governance, Community Resilience, Security Governance, Leadership in Africa

Keywords: Human Security, Participatory Governance, Community Resilience, Security Governance, Leadership in Africa