Abstract
This article looks at the rise of peace building and state building in diplomatic practices using the preventive diplomacy and conflict resolution to resolve some state problems that have emerged. Preventive diplomacy remains highly relevant along the entire conflict spectrum. There is a relation between preventive diplomacy and conflict prevention. The purpose of both preventive diplomacy and conflict prevention is to stop armed conflicts before they escalate. This work uses the case study of Nigeria and Rwanda conflict. The boundaries of present-day Nigeria were created by the British colonial administration in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. For Rwanda the colonizers were first the Germans but after the World War 1, Belgium took over the colonization of Rwanda. During the pre- colonial days, there were many principles guiding conflict resolution in the traditional African societies. Those who want their conflicts resolved must have confidence in the tribunal that would resolve the dispute. These include elders, chiefs, priests, priestesses, secret cult Indigenous law derives essentially from customs and traditions. Literacy was not associated only with the written word, but also very essentially, with verbal art and remembrance. Rwanda could have been an impossible country, in 1994, a large number of people were slaughtered while even a greater number fled the country. This work explain the conflict resolution method applied before the European dominance and after their dominance. Peace is one of the fundamental prerequisite for development therefore there is need for a consideration of an alternative strategy is now inevitable. Therefore, for a peaceful and cordial relationship between the various ethnic groups in the country, the principle of cultural pluralism should not only be seen to be preached, but should be the order of practice in the country it should be a guiding document of practice for all.
Keywords: Conflict, Conflict Resolution, Preventive diplomacy, Transitional Justice