Interreligious Conflict in Nigeria: The Jos Peace Conference and the Indigene/Settler Question in Nigerian Politics

Umar Habila Dadem Danfulani, Department of Religious Studies at the University of Jos, Nigeria, and currently a visiting fellow at the African Studies Centre, Leiden.

Discussant: Dr Stephen Ellis

This presentation examines why the problems arising between ‘indigenes’ and ‘settlers’ were a major contributing factor to the 2001-2004 clashes between Christians and Muslims in Plateau State when a large number of Christians and Muslims were massacred. This marked a turning point in the crisis and these events culminated in the declaration of a state of emergency in Plateau State, and subsequently to the setting up of the Plateau Peace Conference with representatives from the state’s different ethnic groups. This presentation will consider how the indigene/settler issue was handled by the conference vis-à-vis the position of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the issue. It will also critically evaluate other issues discussed at the Plateau State Peace Conference and recommend ways of ensuring lasting peace through conflict prevention and resolution between Muslims and Christians on the Jos Plateau.