Peace processes can provide opportunities for dialogue that may seem unthinkable in other arenas where conflict rages.
Since 1997 the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government have been negotiating to put an end to more than four decades of conflict. In late 2009 both sides agreed to invite an International Contact Group (ICG) to witness and provide additional support for the talks.
On June 8 the non-governmental members of the ICG for the Mindanao peace process traveled to Camp Darapanan, the headquarters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
There have been a number of positive developments in the negotiations over the past months. Increase of dialogue at multiple levels is a very welcome indicator.
Emma Leslie, representing Conciliation Resources
The ICG is a mediation support group composed of four countries (UK, Japan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia) and four international NGOs (The Asia Foundation, Muhammadiyah, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, and Conciliation Resources). The ICG observes peace talks between the MILF and the Government of the Philippines, which are facilitated by Malaysia, and provides advice to the parties and the facilitator.
Building trust within the peace process
This was the first time ICG members had a face-to-face meeting with the leadership of the MILF. The meeting at Camp Darapanan had been requested by the MILF through its peace panel, which is the regular channel of discussion between ICG members and the MILF. The Philippines Government (GPH) had been previously informed about the meeting.
The purpose of the dialogue was to exchange views on the current status of the GPH–MILF peace negotiations. The meeting also provided an opportunity for some members of the MILF and the ICG to get to know each on a personal level.
'Frank and exhaustive'
The meeting was attended by chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and several members of the MILF Central Committee. Emma Leslie and Kristian Herbolzheimer represented Conciliation Resources.
According to MILF’s website (www.luwaran.com), the chairperson of the MILF Secretariat described the meeting as “very frank and exhaustive”, with both sides cautious in not delving into the confidential zone of the current peace negotiation.
They are really experts in conflict resolution.
Muhammad Ameen, chairperson of the MILF Secretariat
Tough decisions ahead
Last April both sides in the peace process signed a 10-point agreement, providing a framework for the continuation of the negotiations. The peace panels have shown commitment to reach a substantial agreement within this year, but as the process moves forward they need to take tough decisions.
The talks have reached a point where parties need to move from a confrontation to a partnership mode.
Kristian Herbolzheimer, Director of Conciliation Resources' Philippines Programme
Conciliation Resources supports the Mindanao peace process by engaging with the peace panels and also by bridging relations between the negotiating table and civil society. Our approach is guided by a strategic commitment to strengthening women’s participation in the peace process.
Interested in what's happened in the Philippines?
- Discover some of the background to this conflict and what issues are under discussion
- Learn more about the support we give through the International Contact Group
- Read about our policy and practical work on peace processes and dialogue