The Utility of Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism As A Compass For Peace Building In Northeast Nigeria/Chad Basin

South Africa faced an intractable conflict that engulfed almost every strata of its society and led to a destructive stalemate with a vicious cycle of violence. Utilization of a transitional justice tool like the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a navigational compass led to some evidence of reconciliation, reintegration and peace building. In Northeastern Nigeria and areas around Lake Chad Basin have been faced with a simmering and intractable conflict. This paper explores whether there is adaptability of this instrument to this situation. The methodology employed here is qualitative, using case study with some level of interpretation from secondary data being previous truth and reconciliation commission reports, the ensuing debates and analyzing the trends. It examines the global shifts in transitional justice mechanisms from the perception as a political compromise to a ‘holistic’ compass for social and political reconstruction associated with multiple democratizing effects. The paper will explore how in the Northeast of Nigeria such a compass will not be perceived as a ‘weaker alternative’ to the judicial system but will assume complementarity and that this can lead to utilization, and its consequent institutionalization as a norm. Key words: Transitional Justice, Truth Reconciliation Commission, Legitimacy, Conflict.