Pages: (185-201 )
Abstract
The resurgence of neo-Biafra separatism has raised series of profound and unanswered questions about the nature and dynamics of the earlier peace agreements between the Nigerian government and the pro-Biafrans since hostilities ended in 1970. The scale and diversity of intellectual mobilization for peace against violence are of tremendous significance. Notwithstanding these efforts, Nigeria has not been able to find its way out of the maze of political instability and vertiginous disintegration. Therefore, in search for alternatives to punitive justice, there have been numerous efforts to analyze the recurring separatist agitations and develop strategies that might lead to sustainable peace. This study hopes to make a further contribution to this task. This study explored the link between the resurgence of the neo-Biafra agitations and the implementation of the post-civil war transitional justice measures. The paper looked at post-conflict justice, with a view to future peace engagement between the Nigerian government and pro-Biafrans, drawing upon regional and international experiences to date through the concept of resilience. This paper suggests institutional reforms and modalities for reconciliation with pro-Biafrans, to help move forward an ambitious agenda at sustainable peace. The conclusion that emerged is that there can be a solution to the ensuing trajectories of pro-Biafra separatist agitations and that this process must be negotiated, integral and participatory.
Keywords: Neo-Biafra, Justice, Democratic Nigeria, Resilience,