If you want to reframe relations shattered by violence and war as a basis for future security you cannot avoid the difficult dialogues that lie at the heart of reconciliation. Jonathan Cohen, our Director of Programmes, comments on why key questions of appropriate timing and engagement are crucial.

Lack of basic services and disruption at border areas is fostering disharmony in West Africa. Following a fact-finding visit to communities in Côte d’Ivoire, Janet Adama Mohammed reflects on the issues they face as they attempt to rebuild after conflict. Working together, and with imagination and cooperation, local people can focus their energies collectively on alternatives to violence.

Isolated from one another, Armenians, Azerbaijanis and Turks remember separate histories which reinforce antagonistic conflict narratives. Laurence Broers argues that initiatives, such as the release of new film Memories Without Borders, are needed to challenge historical taboos and keep alive the possibility of reconciliation.

The Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have reached a Framework Agreement that puts an end to one of the most protracted armed conflicts in the world. Kristian Herbolzheimer and Emma Leslie praise a peace process characterised by perseverance, innovation and creativity, but warn that implementation of the Agreement is a complex and fragile process.

The democratic election of the Georgian Dream coalition could signal a new departure for peace prospects in the region. Rachel Clogg notes that there are clearly many challenges ahead – a resolution of the conflicts will mean taking risks, accepting compromise, and finding the patience to build a step-by-step strategy.