An Assessment of the Role of African Diaspora in Peace-Building in Nigeria’s Niger Delta and Tiv Area, 1999-2002

Abstract

The role of transnational migrant groups in peace processes is a particular area of field research within the broad area of studies on migration. This article examines the contribution of the African Diaspora of Nigerian origin to peace-building in Nigeria. The paper argues and demonstrates that, contrary to recent findings in the literature that African Diaspora had a negative impact on peace processes, the diaspora communities are a potential force for peacebuilding initiatives in their home country. The paper concludes that although peace-building poses challenge far beyond the diasporas' capacity, however well-meaning they might be,
diaspora groups or members influence the situation in their homeland in different ways that engenders enduring peace. Essentially, the paper adopts a historical cum qualitative method of analysis, employing descriptive tools to arrive at a conclusion.