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This Week in Peace #72: February 28

By
Tara Abhasakun
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The Thai flag, photo by worldfootage via Storyblocks.

This week, former Thai PM apologizes for Tak Bai Massacre. UN criticizes Sudanese RSF’s plans for parallel governing authority. Israel-Gaza ceasefire holds out despite difficult circumstances.

Former Thai PM Apologizes for Tak Bai Massacre

On February 23, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra apologized for the Tak Bai Massacre. The massacre, which occured on October 25 2004, involved seven Muslim protesters being killed at a rally in front of a police station in Thailand’s southern province of Narathiwat. Another 78 protesters suffocated while being transported in trucks to a military camp.

South Thailand has a Muslim-majority population, and was forcibly incorporated into a Buddhist Siam in 1909. The region’s separatist insurgency escalated in the early 2000s, and has been met with violent suppression from the state. 

Shinawatra was Thailand’s prime minister at the time of the massacre. In an address to teachers and officials in Narathiwat on February 23, Shinawatra said, “If mistakes were made that caused dissatisfaction among the people, I would like to ask for forgiveness so I can help solve the problems,” as quoted in Thai PBS. Thaksin added that Muslims are taught to forgive, and that he wanted to apologize for the “mistake.”

This development comes after the case around the massacre was closed in October 2024 with no justice served, after all seven defendants failed to report to the judges, passing the 20-year statute of limitations. 

Shinawatra has been criticized for his human rights record in South Thailand. Human Rights Watch criticized his emergency decree which was put into effect in 2005, saying the decree “violates Thailand’s international legal obligations, Thailand’s Constitution, and Thai laws, and may make matters worse.”

UN Criticizes Sudanese RSF’s Plans for Parallel Governing Authority

On February 26, the United Nations (UN) criticized the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for announcing plans to establish a parallel governing authority in areas under its control, Voice of America (VOA) reported. This condemnation came after, on February 22, the RSF and its allies signed a 16-page ‘charter’ in Kenya to establish a governing authority. 

The ‘charter’ said that the government did not exist to divide the country, but to unify it and end the war, and accused the army-affiliated government of failing to do this. The charter also called for “secular, democratic, non-centralised state” with one national army. 

However, U.N Security Council members are not convinced. Algeria’s Deputy Ambassador Toufik Koudri called the charter a “dangerous step that fuels further fragmentation in Sudan and derails ongoing efforts toward peace and dialogue.” This was on behalf of three African members of the Security Council including Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Somalia, as well as Guyana.

Council diplomats said that Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Somalia had proposed a draft statement for the council to consider expressing “grave concern” over the development. Nearly every council member disapproved of the move. 

This update comes after, On January 7, United States Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield released a statement determining that “members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias have committed genocide in Sudan.”

The statement mentioned that in 2023, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken determined that members of the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) had both committed war crimes. It went on to say that RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo had “wantonly ignored commitments under international humanitarian law, the 2023 ‘Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan,’ and the 2024 Code of Conduct produced by the Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan initiative.” 

Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Holds Out Despite Difficult Circumstances

Despite difficult circumstances, the Israel-Gaza ceasefire is holding out. Following a delay over what Israel described as “humiliating ceremonies” for hostages and hostages’ bodies released by Hamas, the Israeli government later agreed to a new exchange. As part of the Egyptian-brokered exchange, Hamas released four hostages’ bodies in exchange for Israel’s release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners. The exchange took place at around midnight between February 26 and 27.

On February 28, Israel and Gaza began negotiating the Phase 2 of the ceasefire, which is meant to bring an end to the war. Israel says there are 59 remaining hostages, 24 of whom are still believed to be alive, The Associated Press (AP) reported. The outlet noted that Hamas has returned 33 hostages, including eight bodies, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Keywords: peace, conflict, Thailand, Thai, Sudan, Thaksin, Thaksin Shinawatra, Sudan, Sudanese, Israel, Palestine, Gaza, conflict resolution, ceasefire

Eastern Congo After the M23 Takeover: Counting the Human Costs of War

By
Anicet Kimonyo and Mica Hong
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On January 27, M23 rebels took over Goma, the largest city in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). More than 500,000 people were forced to flee their homes, and nearly 3,000 people were killed in the following weeks. Since then, M23 has continued to push into more territory in eastern DRC. Congolese journalist Anicet Kimonyo spoke to displaced people about their experiences, and the desperate situations in which they find themselves.

Keywords: Congo, DRC, DR Congo, Goma, M23, conflict, internally displaced persons, displaced, war, conflict resolution, Eastern Congo

Can Small States Lead in Atrocity Prevention? Lessons from Ghana

By
Frank Okyere Osei
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Accra, the capital city of Ghana, photo by Muntaka Chasant via Wikipedia.

When discussing atrocity prevention, global attention often gravitates toward major powers. Yet, Ghana, a small West African nation, offers a compelling case of how smaller states can meaningfully contribute to this critical global issue. With its innovative approaches and enduring commitment to peace, my research on Ghana demonstrates that size does not limit impact.

Why Ghana Matters

Ghana’s journey in atrocity prevention reflects its broader dedication to human rights and international peace. Its National Peace Council (NPC), a unique peace infrastructure operating at national, regional, and district levels, serves as both a domestic mechanism for conflict prevention and an international model of innovation. The NPC has mediated local disputes, mitigated electoral tensions, and set a precedent for atrocity prevention frameworks worldwide. 

The role of the NPC has been particularly critical during Ghana’s democratic transitions. Since transitioning to a multiparty democracy in 1992, the country has conducted nine successive elections, culminating in four peaceful transfers of power – the most recent in December 2024. 

Before these elections, the NPC brought all candidates together to sign a peace pact, a public commitment to maintaining peace regardless of the outcome. This pact has become instrumental, particularly in December 2024 when the incumbent government’s candidate, Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, swiftly and peacefully conceded defeat to the opposition candidate, former President John Mahama, referencing the pact to diffuse rising tensions and prevent unrest. 

Such efforts underscore the NPC’s pivotal role in safeguarding Ghana’s democratic principles and political stability, earning the country recognition as one of the most peaceful in Africa,  according to the Global Peace Index.

This approach is also grassroots-based, as it amplifies the voices of communities, promoting dialogue and fostering reconciliation. By integrating traditional leaders and civil society into its peace efforts, the NPC ensures inclusivity and builds trust across diverse societal groups. Ghana’s emphasis on social cohesion and its ability to defuse political and ethnic tensions underscore its role as a potential model for peace in the region.

Ghana’s Role in Global Advocacy

On the international stage, Ghana has consistently championed the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine. Since its adoption in 2005, R2P has underscored the global commitment to shield populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. Ghana, despite its limited resources, has emerged as a vocal advocate, leveraging organizations like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and pioneering initiatives such as the Global Network of R2P Focal Points. 

Notably, Ghana’s contributions extend beyond rhetoric. It was instrumental in shaping regional interventions through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and in fostering peace during crises in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire. These efforts highlight Ghana’s capacity to address regional insecurities while maintaining its focus on atrocity prevention.

Challenges and Evolving Priorities

However, Ghana’s engagement with atrocity prevention is not without challenges. Limited resources and shifting regional security dynamics, such as the threat of violent extremism in West Africa, have influenced its priorities. During its recent UNSC tenure (2022–2023), Ghana’s focus expanded to regional peacekeeping, counterterrorism under the Accra Initiative, and maritime security. This pivot reflects the complexities of balancing immediate security needs with long-term commitments to atrocity prevention. 

This balancing act often places Ghana in a position where global pressures and local conditions create tensions. For example, international expectations to champion atrocity prevention sometimes clash with the urgent need to address regional threats like terrorism and maritime insecurity. These dual priorities can lead to an ambiguous position, where Ghana must navigate competing demands from its international commitments and the practical realities on the ground. Yet, this complexity also highlights Ghana’s diplomatic agility and strategic pragmatism.

Despite these pressures, Ghana’s efforts in institutionalizing atrocity prevention at home remain robust. By addressing the root causes of violence – poverty, ethnic tensions, and weak governance – the NPC’s work helps to support R2P’s core principles, showcasing how local solutions can inform global practices. This dual approach emphasizes that small states like Ghana can manage external pressures while staying committed to their peacebuilding objectives.

What Can We Learn?

Ghana’s experience underscores the vital role small states play in advancing global norms like R2P. By integrating peacebuilding at the grassroots level and championing atrocity prevention internationally, Ghana offers a blueprint for other nations. The inclusion of community voices, traditional authorities, and civil society ensures legitimacy and sustainability in peace efforts. Moreover, Ghana highlights the importance of adaptability. While resource constraints and geopolitical shifts may necessitate a recalibration of priorities, the underlying commitment to human rights and peace remains central. This balance between pragmatism and principle is a lesson for all states navigating the complexities of international peacebuilding.

Keywords: Ghana, atrocities, atrocity prevention, peace, Africa, small states, war crimes

This Week in Peace #71: February 21

By
Tara Abhasakun
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Adis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, where the African Union Summit took place. Photo via Wikipedia.

This week, African Union Summit highlights urgent need for action on Sudan and Demoratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). What’s next for the Israel-Gaza ceasefire? Chief Minister reaffirms peace commitments for Pakistani district. 

African Union Summit Highlights Urgent Need for Action on Sudan and DRC

The African Union (AU) Summit on February 15 and 16 highlighted the urgent need for action on the deteriorating situations in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The summit included delegates from over 50 countries, who met at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres noted at the summit that Sudan was “being torn apart before our eyes,” adding that the strong connections between the U.N and African union can provide an “anchor” for a coalition to end the war. 

AU commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security Bankole Adeoye said at the summit that “We are all very, very concerned about the risk of an open regional war over eastern DRC,” and that “We have reiterated the need for caution and called on the M23 rebels and their supporters to disarm and withdraw,” as quoted in Voice of America (VOA). However, security analyst Senator Iroegbu said that “strategic measures or plans” were also needed, as well as mediation teams. 

These statements came as news spread of the M23 rebel group entering the city of Bukavu, the second largest city in DRC’s eastern region. Guterres warned that the offensive threatens to “push the entire region over the precipice.” M23 has now captured the city.

Both Sudan and DRC are facing painful violent conflicts. The conflict between Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has left the country in what US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has described as the “world’s largest humanitarian crisis, leaving over 25 million Sudanese facing acute food insecurity and over 600,000 experiencing famine.” 

In DRC, after M23 captured Goma on January 27, nearly 3,000 people were killed in fighting in the following weeks. 

What’s Next for the Israel-Gaza Ceasefire?

The future of Israel and Gaza’s ceasefire is now in a highly delicate situation. Tragic news of the first four bodies of deceased hostages being returned to Israel on February 20 has spread heightened anguish and sorrow among Israelis.

Meanwhile, Hamas has offered to release all the remaining hostages in a single exchange during the second phase of the ceasefire, rather than in stages as it has been doing. So far in the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas has released 24 hostages, and Israel has released over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. After the first phase of the ceasefire, 58 hostages will remain in Gaza, AFP reported. 

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has said that he is working with other Arab countries on an alternative plan to US President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians to surrounding countries. el-Sissi said, “The plan will span several years that would entail sequential phases of removing rubble and reconstruction.”

It remains to be seen what the future of the ceasefire holds amidst such difficult circumstances. 

Chief Minister Reaffirms Peace Commitments for Pakistani District

On February 17, the Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial cabinet reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peace in the conflicted Kurram district. A cabinet briefing highlighted that since October 2024, 189 people have died due to incidents of unrest in the city, Mashriq TV reported. 

Nine aid convoys comprising 718 vehicles have been let into the district, and 153 helicopter flights have helped to transfer around 4,000 people. Meanwhile, 151 bunkers have been demolished, and a deadline is set for March 23 to remove all remaining bunkers. 

The most recent wave of violence in Kurram began on November 21, when gunmen attacked a vehicle convoy and killed 52 people, mostly shias. Despite a peace deal reached on January 1 between Sunni and Shia tribes in Kurram, militants attacked an aid convoy in the district on January 16. Deputy Commissioner Shaukat Ali said that one soldier had been killed, and four others wounded in the attack, with three convoy vehicles damaged. 

The Challenges and Opportunities of the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus

By
Rodrigo Mena Fluhmann, Summer Brown and Sylvia Brown
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Children splashing in water in Idlib, Syria, photo by Ahmed Akacha via Pexels.

In the complex and ever-evolving landscape of international aid, the “triple nexus” — an integrated approach combining humanitarian, development, and peace efforts— has emerged as a strategy for improving response to crises. While the humanitarian-development nexus has long been a focus, the addition of peace as a third pillar has stirred both hope and debate. 

By addressing root causes of conflict and striving to mitigate or prevent them entirely, the approach aims to foster sustainable development while meeting urgent humanitarian needs. Yet, as recent research highlights, the path to integrating peace within the nexus is fraught with challenges that demand systemic and cultural shifts in how aid is conceived, financed, and delivered. Here, we share findings and reflections based on our recent research on this topic.

Why Peace Matters in the Triple Nexus

Since the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit, the triple nexus has gained prominence as a response to the limitations of traditional humanitarian and development frameworks. Previous models often faltered in areas affected by social conflict, where progress in relief or development efforts was frequently undermined by violence or instability. Incorporating peace into the nexus is seen as essential for ensuring long-term sustainability. But what does “peace” mean in this context? How should it interact with humanitarian neutrality or development strategies?

These questions are not merely theoretical. For communities facing chronic crises, peace is not just the absence of conflict, but a foundation for resilient societies. The triple nexus, in principle, seeks to align short-term humanitarian goals, mid-term development objectives, and long-term peacebuilding efforts in a cohesive strategy. However, this ambitious alignment requires navigating deep-seated challenges in policy, practice, and funding.

The Core Challenges

The inclusion of peace in the triple nexus introduces three primary challenges:

  1. Humanitarian Neutrality at Risk:
    Traditional humanitarian principles, particularly neutrality and impartiality, face tension when peace initiatives are added. Peace inherently involves political processes —peacebuilding, peacekeeping, and peacemaking— that may align with certain factions or state actors. This alignment can jeopardize the perception of neutrality essential for humanitarian access and effectiveness. For practitioners on the ground, balancing these competing imperatives is often a tightrope walk.
  2. Mismatched Timescales:
    Humanitarian efforts are typically immediate and short-term, addressing urgent needs such as food, shelter, and medical care. Development projects, meanwhile, focus on longer-term goals like education and economic growth. Adding peace to the mix further complicates this timeline, as peacebuilding can take decades to yield tangible results. Projects operating under the triple nexus must find ways to harmonize these differing timelines without compromising the urgency of humanitarian action or the depth of peacebuilding.
  3. Funding Modalities and Flexibility:
    Donor funding structures often remain rigid, tailored to specific sectors or short-term projects. Yet the triple nexus demands flexibility to shift resources dynamically between humanitarian, development, and peace needs based on evolving circumstances. Whether responding to a sudden outbreak of violence or a natural disaster, aid systems must adapt, requiring donors to rethink financial strategies. Equally, measuring success across the nexus is challenging; traditional metrics may not capture the interconnected outcomes of integrated approaches.

Lessons and Opportunities

Despite these challenges, the triple nexus also offers significant opportunities to improve aid effectiveness. In Kenya, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Indonesia, where projects examined in the study were implemented, the nexus approach revealed several key insights:

  • Collaborative Programming: When peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development actors coordinate effectively, their combined efforts can address overlapping needs more comprehensively. For instance, creating livelihood programs in post-conflict areas can simultaneously stabilize communities and provide the foundation for lasting peace.
  • Adaptable Systems: Building adaptable frameworks that allow for the seamless transition of funds and resources across nexus components is critical. Innovative funding models and locally-driven partnerships emerged as promising practices, although their adoption remains inconsistent.
  • Local Engagement: Empowering local actors to lead in defining and implementing peace within the triple nexus is essential. National and local priorities must guide international interventions to ensure relevance and sustainability.

The Road Ahead

The triple nexus is not a one-size-fits-all solution, nor is it without weaknesses. Its applicability varies depending on the context, with protracted conflicts demanding a greater emphasis on all three components. Furthermore, achieving success requires a shift in the international aid system toward more principled, flexible, and community-centred approaches.

As the research underscores, there remains widespread confusion over what peace means within the nexus and how it should manifest in practice. Donors, policymakers, and practitioners must collaborate to clarify these concepts and set realistic expectations. Additionally, the nexus must prioritize collective outcomes over individual mandates, breaking down silos that hinder progress.

Ultimately, the triple nexus challenges us to think beyond immediate needs, envisioning a world where humanitarian relief, sustainable development, and enduring peace are not separate endeavours, but interconnected facets of a unified approach. It is a bold and complex vision, but one that contributes to transforming how we respond to crises and build more peaceful societies.

Keywords: humanitarian, development, peace, conflict, conflict resolution, peace and conflict, donors

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