Comment
Oct 2012
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.
Oct 2012
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.
Oct 2012
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.
Oct 2012
Expiry of the Millennium Development Goals is closing in but for conflict-affected or fragile states that's a technicality: they won't achieve them. As the debate gathers pace on the post-2015 framework, Teresa Dumasy highlights why a consultative process and addressing conflict drivers is vital.
Sep 2012
Reflecting on points raised by local people during her recent visit to West Africa, Janet Adama Mohammed explores some of the key topics of concern to Ivorians. What are the issues that risk renewed conflict and how can community-level dialogue help build understanding between neighbours?
Aug 2012
It’s 10 years since the last negotiations between the Government of Colombia and FARC. Following the recent announcement of upcoming talks between the two, Kristian Herbolzheimer reflects on this lost decade and some of the challenges that must be confronted now in order for all Colombians to have a stake in future peace.
Aug 2012
What role can young people play in shaping political culture and addressing social problems? Twenty young politicians and civic activists from the South Caucasus recently travelled to Edinburgh and London with the aim of exploring answers to this question. Mira Sovakar reflects on how they're working to build engagement and mutual trust.
Jul 2012
Emma Leslie shares her reflections on a recent gathering of the Bangsamoro Leadership Assembly in Mindanao. Could developments like the peaceful collaboration of armed forces at the event, there to ensure the safety of several hundred thousand attendees, indicate that the time is ripe for peace in this part of Asia?
Feb 2012
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.
