@article{CRSIJ26000202,
                  author = {Ngozi Mercy Nwali},
                  title = {Igbo And Tiv Traditional Justice Systems: A Comparative Study of Consensus, Elders’ Mediation, And Communal Harmony in African Conflict Resolution},
                  journal = {Cosmo Research and Science International Journal},
                  year = {2025},
                  volume = {1},
                  number = {6},
                  pages = {573-586},
                  issn = {3108-1584},
                  url = {https://cosmorsij.com/published/CRSIJ26000202.pdf},
                  abstract = {This paper aims to provide a comparative analysis of the Igbo and Tiv traditional justice systems as indigenous models of conflict resolution within African societies. The analysis will focus on issues like conciliation, mediation by elders and community reconciliation. Both systems present conflict not simply as an infraction but as a breach in interpersonal relations that needs healing through atonement, appeasement, apology and the restoration of good relations. While Igbo and Tiv societies have different social structures, they both turn to elders, relatives and community meetings for resolving disagreements with a view to maintaining peace and social order. Furthermore, the paper also outlines the core tenets of these systems of justice, which include reliance on tradition, respect for Elders and authority and the emphasis on restorative rather than punitive justice. The paper also examines the weaknesses inherent in these traditional forms of conflict resolution, particularly the insufficient link with state law, gender discrimination, and challenges in mediating conflicts that are multi-ethnic and scale is large and ends with an emphasis on the fact that both forms of traditional justice remain vital sources of lessons for modern African hybrid approaches to justice and conflict resolution.},
                  keywords = {Igbo, Tiv, traditional justice systems, consensus-building, elders’ mediation, communal harmony},
                  month = {May}
        }