Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Chairperson of the Philippines’ Government peace panel for negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), spoke to Conciliation Resources about the aims and challenges of the Mindanao peace process as she reflects on the lessons learned from past peacebuilding efforts. 

On 25 January 2014 the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front concluded sixteen years of negotiations seeking to putting an end to an armed conflict which originated in 1968. Kristian Herbolzheimer explains the origins of the conflict, details the innovations that led to the deal, outlines the ramifications of the deal itself, and warns that lessons need to be learnt to ensure that the implementation of the agreement is effective.

A grassroots community initiative in the Central African Republic is rejecting violence and bringing Christians and Muslims together in favour of peace. Nyeko Caesar Poblicks, recently returned from the capital Bangui, explains more.

Governments remain reluctant to engage armed groups, a complex, risky and highly political action. Yet, as Teresa Dumasy explains, constructive engagement with armed groups can create the conditions for the peaceful resolution of conflict.

Can the London conference on Somalia succeed this time where others have failed? After a year in which large swathes of Somalia have been hit by famine and continued war, and international militarisation has markedly increased, the UK government’s initiative to host an international conference on Somalia on 23 February is welcome. But lessons must be learnt from past mistakes. Ahead of the conference, Mark Bradbury makes the case that support should be given to local Somali-led solutions that promote legitimacy and participation.