Individual Conflict Presentation (ICP) -14th January 2011

JOS CRISIS: MAN’S INHUMANITY TO MAN

Independent Conflict Presentation (ICP),

An 8 minutes presentation at the Rotary Center for International Studies in Peace and Conflict, Chulalongkorn, University, Bangkok Thailand on Friday 14^th January 2011.

 By John Gushit

INTRODUCTION: (OVERVIEW)

For over a decade now, the once uniquely serene and peaceful city of Jos the capital of Plateau State in the North Central Nigeria has continued to witness seemingly unabated spates of violent conflicts resulting into wanton destruction of lives and properties. Of late, the conflicts in and around the city have graduated from localized disputes to a scenarios of more horrendous global dimension.

WHERE? (LOCATION OF CONFLICT)

Jos Plateu State lies in Nigeria’s middle belt region, being one of the regions with the highest cultural diversity in the country. This region is widely known for its diversity as it shows over 60 ethno-linguistic groups. The state has an average landmark of 26,899 sq. km

WHO? (PARTIES INVOLVED)

Because of the tridimensional (Religious, ethnics and political) nature of the conflict it becomes difficult to control. The conflict is usually between Hausa/Fulani Muslims verses the indigenous ethnic groups & other Christian communities leaving in and around the city. The government and other NGOs have been making efforts toward reconciling the different factions but this is yet to be achieved.

WHAT? (CORE ISSUES)

The issue at stake about the series of the recurrent conflicts is linked to the ownership of Jos city as the Hausa/Fulanis ethnic groups (mostly muslims) who are believe not to be indigenous to the city has repeatedly claimed ownership and active political participation in the city and that does not go down well with the indigenous tribes (mostly Christians).

HOW FAR? (PRESENT STATUS)

The recurrent conflict is quite disturbing to patriotic indigenes and Government as a result various town meetings between the two conflicting parties were held towards the peaceful resolution of the conflict. Other approaches aimed at solving the conflict by the state government are sponsoring the regular airing of peace jingles in local radio and television within and outside the state government. The traditional rulers within the state have also taken some frantic steps towards ensuring the conflict resolved. They normally do this by organizing meetings with the restive youths from both sites.

Presently, the state of the conflict is on the increase as unexpected attacks still comes at the odd time and any of such does not normally end without wasting several lives and properties. As at the time of writing this presentation the state is currently in a stand still due to another deadly attack from a group suspected to be Fulani militia on Wednesday 12 January 2011.