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This Week in Peace #66: January 17

By
Tara Abhasakun
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Palestinian children in Gaza celebrate the ceasefire, screenshot from CNN video.

This week, Israel and Hamas come to a ceasefire and hostage deal. Despite peace deal, terrorists attack aid convoy in Pakistani district. US sanctions leader of Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), says neither of rival leaders fit for peaceful Sudan. 

Israel and Hamas come to a ceasefire and hostage deal

After over a year and three months of brutal war, death, and pain, Israel and Hamas have finally come to a ceasefire and hostage deal. The agreement was reached on January 15, and will take effect starting January 19. 

Some key parts of the deal, as reported in Reuters on January 16, include: a six-week initial ceasefire for Israel to withdraw its forces from central Gaza, and for displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza; 600 truckloads of humanitarian aid, including 50 of fuel, being let into Gaza every day of the ceasefire; the release of 33 Israeli hostages by Hamas, including all women (soldiers and civilians), children, and men over 50. Female hostages under 19 will be released first, followed by men over 50; 30 Palestinian detainees released by Israel for every civilian hostage, as well as 50 Palestinian detainees for every Israeli female soldier Hamas releases; at least three hostages released each week of the six-week period, and the remainder of the 33 released before the end of the period; living hostages released first, followed by the remains of dead hostages.

The deal’s implementation will be guaranteed by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The second phase of the agreement will begin on the 16th day of the first phase.

The war between Israel and Hamas since October 7 has caused unbearable suffering for Israelis and Palestinians. On that day, Hamas killed over 1,200 people in its brutal attack on Israel. Israel responded with airstrikes and a ground invasion that, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, killed over 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza, and it is unknown exactly how many of those killed were civilians or fighters. 

Meanwhile, in 2024, Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in the West bank reached an all time-high, with Crisis Group reporting over 1,000 incidents of settler violence since the war began. The organization reported that over 1,300 Palestinians were driven from their homes in these attacks. Antisemitic violence has also reached record highs. In October 2024, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported over 10,000 antisemitic incidents in the US since Hamas’s October 7 attacks, with violence also soaring throughout Europe. The ADL reported on January 14 that 46% of the world’s adult population, an estimated 2.2 billion people, hold deeply entrenched antisemitic attitudes.

Despite peace deal, terrorists attack aid convoy in Pakistani district

Despite a peace deal reached on January 1 between Sunni and Shia tribes in Pakistan’s conflict-torn Kurram district, terrorists attacked an aid convoy in the district on January 16. The convoy, which consisted of 35 vehicles, Deputy Commissioner Shaukat Ali said that one soldier had been killed, and four others wounded in the attack, with three convoy vehicles damaged. 

Ali reported that “action was taken” against the terrorists, with six terrorists killed and 10 people injured in the retaliatory action. 

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shebhaz Sharif has vowed to keep the peace in the country’s historically conflicted Kurram district. On January 14, before the attack on the convoy, PM Sharif said the situation in Kurram was “returning to normal,” as quoted in Dawn. 

However, severe challenges remain. The highway connecting the district to the rest of Pakistan was closed amidst the sectarian violence. On January 14, Voice of America (VOA) published a report quoting medical staff who told the outlet that residents were suffering from malnutrition and deep psychological distress. This is due to the road that connects the district to the rest of the country being closed to traffic amidst the sectarian violence. 

US Sanctions Leader of Sudanese Armed Forces, says neither of rival leaders fir for peaceful Sudan

Last week, 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.” On January 16, the US imposed sanctions on the RSF’s rival, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a new statement that the SAF has violated international humanitarian law and ignored commitments undertaken in the 2023 “Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan.” The statement went on to say that the SAF’s deprivation of food as a method of war and its obstruction of the flow of aid had contributed to the “world’s largest humanitarian crisis, leaving over 25 million Sudanese facing acute food insecurity and over 600,000 experiencing famine.”

The statement read, “Taken together, these sanctions underscore the US view that neither man is fit to govern a future, peaceful Sudan.”

Keywords: Israel, Palestine, Pakistan, Sudan, conflict, conflict resolution, peace and conflict, peace, peacebuilding, war, peace and war, ceasefire

Three Lessons Learned from Government Efforts Toward Peacebuilding in Southern Thailand

By
Nadia Payo
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Thailand's southern Songkhla province, photo via Wikipedia.

For decades, Southern Thailand has been caught in the grip of conflict— a relentless cycle of violence, mistrust, and shattered livelihoods. The government has poured resources into peacebuilding efforts, from infrastructure projects to educational programs and heightened security. Yet, despite years of effort, the region remains entangled in turmoil.

Why does the conflict persist? As we look closer, three crucial lessons emerge from the government’s approach, offering insights into what has worked, what hasn’t, and what needs to change to finally bring lasting peace to Southern Thailand.

Lesson 1: Infrastructure is a Starting Point, Not the Whole Solution

The Thai government’s investment in infrastructure— new roads, electrification projects, and public utility upgrades— has undeniably improved daily life in Southern Thailand. These developments have made it easier for people to access markets, schools, and healthcare, showing a clear commitment to closing the development gap between the region and the rest of the country.

But infrastructure, while essential, doesn’t solve the deeper issues driving the conflict. Many communities continue to feel excluded and marginalized, disconnected from the nation’s identity and governance. A new road might make it easier to travel, but it doesn’t heal divisions or restore trust. These projects, on their own, cannot address the historical and cultural divides that underpin the region’s challenges.

Lesson 2: Community Engagement Must Go Beyond Tokenism

The Thai government has introduced educational and vocational training programs to help residents gain the skills needed for jobs and entrepreneurship. These initiatives show potential in building resilience and promoting economic self-sufficiency among communities affected by conflict.

However, their impact has been uneven. Marginalized groups, especially those in remote or culturally distinct areas, often find these programs out of reach or misaligned with their realities. Critics— including local leaders such as imams and village headmen, as well as NGOs like Deep South Watch and the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies at Mahidol University (IHRP)— have pointed out the lack of grassroots involvement in the planning process. Examples of initiatives with poor outcomes include tailoring workshops in agrarian areas, and distributing chickens to households without follow-up and support. 

This lack of grassroots involvement in planning and decision-making leaves communities feeling excluded from decisions that affect their future. Solutions designed with local input are more likely to succeed. Without addressing this gap, peacebuilding efforts risk being seen as disconnected from the very people they aim to help.

Lesson 3: Security Without Trust is Fragile

Enhanced security measures, including increased military presence, and stricter surveillance have helped reduce violence in Southern Thailand. Our study found that many residents report feeling safer, and businesses have cautiously resumed operations in some areas. On the surface, these efforts seem like steps toward stability.

But safety alone is not enough. While people might feel less threatened, the heavy militarization of daily life— with security checkpoints at every corner and soldiers patrolling the streets— creates an environment far from welcoming. Who would invest in a region where the presence of armed forces constantly reminds everyone of the underlying conflict? For investors, this level of surveillance signals instability, not opportunity.

Interviews with 30 respondents from various sectors further highlighted these issues. The respondents worked in NGOs, the government, academia, and business. The interviews revealed that factors such as pervasive security presence, a lack of trust, and an unwelcoming environment discourage investment. Meanwhile, indicators such as GDP, GPP, and household income show that the southern border provinces remain economically underdeveloped, and living below the poverty line. 

A lasting sense of security comes not from armed presence but from trust and mutual respect between communities and the state.

Conclusion: Beyond the Lessons

The ongoing quest for peace in Southern Thailand offers valuable insights not only for the region, but for conflict-affected areas worldwide. The government’s efforts— spanning infrastructure development, educational programs, and enhanced security— have brought some progress. However, they also reveal how deeply rooted grievances and mistrust can complicate even the best-intentioned initiatives.

True peace is not just the absence of violence; it’s a peace where people can thrive. It’s a peace where families can eat without fear, businesses can flourish, and life can run without the shadow of militarization. It calls for a holistic approach that integrates reconciliation, cultural understanding, and local ownership into every effort.

The challenge now is to turn these lessons into lasting actions that not only rebuild the economy, but also heal the deep scars of conflict. Can these lessons pave the way for a Southern Thailand that thrives in unity and peace? At the very least, they reveal what is needed and what can be done better. With these insights in hand, the path to a brighter and freer future feels more possible than ever. Only time will tell if these lessons can transform hope into a lasting reality.

The findings in this article are based on our study “Southern Thailand’s crossroads: conflict and economic repercussions.”

Keywords: South Thailand, Southern Thailand, conflict, peace and conflict, conflict resolution, peace, peacebuilding, Thailand, South Thailand insurgency, development, infrastructure

A Quiet Hero: How Judith Obina’s Compassionate Peacebuilding Legacy Transformed Northern Uganda

By
Gloria Laker
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Ms. Judith Obina Okumu, a courageous leader who took care of Nora Anek Oting, the mother of rebel leader Joseph Kony. Photo courtesy of Cinderella Ayebare.

In the heart of Uganda’s tumultuous history, amidst the suffering and destruction caused by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) conflict, one woman’s quiet actions helped pave the way for peace and reconciliation. Judith Obina, a trusted private secretary to President Yoweri Museveni, was not a soldier, but a peacemaker whose story exemplifies the power of compassion in healing deep divisions. Her journey through Uganda’s darkest days, leading to the eventual end of the brutal LRA insurgency, is a testament to the quiet yet profound impact of ordinary citizens in peacebuilding.

Inspiration to Youth: A Call to Build Peace Locally

Obina’s path to becoming a key figure in Uganda’s peace process began at just 21 years old when she was entrusted with a responsibility many would have shied away from: caring for Joseph Kony’s elderly mother, Nora Anek Oting. Kony is the infamous leader of the LRA, and he had caused immense suffering in northern Uganda, but his mother and Judith Obina, a symbol of the painful human toll of the conflict, remained a bridge to a potential path of peace.

“I was tasked by President Museveni to care for Kony’s mother,” Obina recalls in her conversation with Peace News Network (PNN) at her office in Kampala. “It was a difficult role, but I knew it was important. I was not just offering care; I was offering a chance for healing, for both her and the community.” While under her care, Obina made sure Nora didn’t lack anything and her safety was secured.

This act, though seemingly small, represented something much larger: the possibility of reconciliation in a region shattered by violence. Obina’s ability to form a bond with Nora, who had separated from her son because of rebellion, spoke to the larger potential for mending the fractured relationships between families, communities, and the Ugandan government. But Obina didn’t stop there.

The Risky Journey for Peace: Bridging Divides Amid Danger

In 2007, Nora’s longing to see Kony demanded  taking a risky journey. Judith led the way and accompanied her to southern Sudan, where Kony and his forces were hiding. To Judith, the mission was not only about facilitating a meeting and visit between mother and son; it was about providing a chance for Kony to abandon the violence that had consumed his life and the lives of countless others.

LRA leader Joseph Kony. Photo courtesy of Betty Bigombe’s archive.

“Kony’s territory was dangerous,” Obina reflects. “But I had to do it. It was about showing that there is always room for reconciliation, even in the darkest moments of conflict.”

The 14 days with Joseph Kony marked a critical moment in the peace process. Though Kony did not immediately abandon his rebellion, the encounter between mother and son, mediated by Judith Obina, initiated a shift in perspective, one that would resonate in Uganda’s journey toward peace.

Women as Better Peace Mediators: A Strength.

Obina’s story of courage and compassion is not just a tale of a single heroic act; it is a narrative that resonates deeply in the context of Uganda’s broader peacebuilding efforts. It highlights the significant role of ordinary citizens, especially women, in transforming their communities. Through her work, Judith has become a symbol of hope, especially to youth in Uganda. Her example shows that even in the face of immense challenges, individuals can play a powerful role in peacebuilding.

Judith’s work didn’t end with the LRA’s defeat. Her commitment to peace extended into her later endeavours, including the Judith Obina Foundation, which focuses on education, improving livelihoods, and promoting health in northern Uganda. These initiatives are deeply tied to the values of reconciliation and social cohesion, the building blocks of long-lasting peace.

“I believe that peace is possible, even in the midst of conflict,” Obina says. “We just need to be willing to take the first step, no matter how difficult.”

A Kind Heart Leads the Way: Turning Personal Pain into Healing

Her story also sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of women in peace processes. While much attention is given to military leaders and political figures, women like Judith, Betty Bigombe, Nora Anek, and others have quietly driven healing and reconciliation efforts. Bigombe, for instance, was another key figure in mediation efforts with the LRA, inspiring Judith and many others to take on leadership roles in peacebuilding.

Ms. Betty Bigombe, the first peace mediator in the LRA peace talks, met with LRA leader Joseph Kony in the rebel hideout. Photo courtesy of Betty Bigombe’s archive.

Women have long been at the forefront of peace efforts in Uganda not only through direct involvement in peace talks, but also through acts of care, nurturing, and community building. Judith’s role in facilitating the dignified burial of Kony’s mother in Odek, Omoro, after her death in 2012 exemplifies how women in Uganda have turned their personal pain into powerful tools for healing.

Trust: The Foundation of Peacebuilding

Judith’s legacy also demonstrates the importance of trust in peacebuilding. President Museveni’s decision to send Judith on the dangerous mission to meet Kony with his mother was an act of faith in Judith’s ability to bridge divides. His trust was well-placed, as Judith’s efforts not only facilitated a crucial meeting but also contributed to the eventual cessation of violence in Northern Uganda. The trust between a leader and an ordinary citizen, like Judith, created a ripple effect, leading to widespread change and healing.

Twenty-one-year old Judith Obina Okumu risked her life for peace. She took care of Joseph Kony’s mother and led her to the jungle to meet her son. Photo courtesy of Obina’s archive.

Despite her vital contributions, Judith remains a modest figure, often downplaying the significance of her actions. “My efforts may seem small,” she says, “but they have contributed to something much bigger.” That “something bigger” is a peaceful, unified Uganda, moving past years of conflict.

Inspiration to Uganda’s Youth: Peace Begins with You

For the youth of Uganda, Judith Obina’s example is an inspiration and hope. Her story encourages them to take ownership of their communities, be active participants in peacebuilding, and believe that they, too, can make a difference. In a country that has experienced deep fractures due to conflict, Judith’s message is simple yet powerful: Peace is within reach if individuals are willing to take the first step.

As Uganda continues to heal, Judith Obina’s journey will remain an inspiration, a reminder that even the quietest acts of courage can lead to monumental changes in the quest for peace.

This Week in Peace #65: January 10

By
Tara Abhasakun
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Thai flags, photo by olegqwake, via Storyblocks.

This week, Thai minister of defense speaks up for reassessment of approach in country’s South. US ambassador makes statement on determination of genocide in Sudan. After peace deal, essential supplies slowly returns to Pakistani district.

Thai Minister of Defense Speaks Up for Reassessment of Approach in Country’s South

Thailand’s minister of defense is speaking up for a reassessment of the country’s approach to conflict in its southern region. On January 6, Minister of Defense Phumtham Wechayachai announced the decision to lift the state of emergency in Yaha district of Yala province, Bangkok Post  and Thai PBS reported. 

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. 

With violence in South Thailand continuing to this day, Wechayachai called into question whether Thailand is taking the right steps to arrive at peace. He instructed relevant agencies to find solutions within a month, stressing that a new head of Thailand’s peace talk team will only be appointed when clear strategies are used.

This development comes after a high-profile case involving the deaths of 85 Muslim protesters in South Thailand was closed in October with no justice served. On October 25, 2004, seven protesters at a rally in Tak Bai district of Narathiwat province were shot dead in front of a police station, and another 78 suffocated after being arrested and stacked on top of one another in military trucks. The case was closed on October 25, 2024, after all seven defendants failed to report to the judges, passing the 20-year statute of limitations. 

Wechayachai said that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is now an advisor to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, could help to stabilize the Thai-Malaysian border, and support the region’s economic development.

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.”

US Ambassador Makes Statement on Determination of Genocide in Sudan

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.” 

The statement declared that the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control is now being sanctioned for destabilizing Sudan and undermining a democratic transition. However, it stressed that the US did not support either side of the war. 

The RSF has rejected the move, and denies harming civilians, blaming rogue actors for this instead. 

After Peace Deal, Essential Supplies Slowly Returns to Pakistani District

Last week, Sunni and Shia tribes reached a peace deal in Pakistan’s Kurram district, located in the country’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. Essential supplies is now slowly returning to the district. 

On January 8, Dawn reported that a convoy of 40 vehicles carrying food and other essentials was dispatched to the district, after being delayed in Thall for five days, according to government officials. A Khyber Pakhtunkwa spokesperson said that 10 of the trucks, destined for the Bagan area, had made it there, and another convoy of 30 vehicles had arrived in Parachinar and Upper Kurram. 

The spokesperson, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, praised the cooperation of Kurram’s elders in maintaining peace, saying that the participation of leader gatherings and peace committees was a major step towards long-term stability in the region.

Communities united to transform this DRC province into a haven of peace

By
Anicet Kimonyo
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Ngabu Jospin on right, a young man who gave up his weapons to be involved in Ituri's peacebuidling efforts. Photo by Anicet Kimonyo.

For over ten years, the province of Ituri, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has been the scene of inter-ethnic conflict, mainly between the Lendu and Hema communities. Fueled by criminal interests and geopolitical dynamics specific to the Great Lakes region, this conflict has plunged Ituri into a spiral of violence. This situation, though alarming, is also the starting point for numerous local reconciliation initiatives that testify to the resilience and hope of the local populations.

The origins of the conflict in Ituri go back to decades of antagonism between the Hema, traditionally herders, and the Lendu, mainly farmers. Rivalries over access to land and natural resources were exacerbated by the region’s political and economic instability, particularly after the successive wars that shook the DRC at the end of the 20th century.

These local tensions have been compounded by external influences. Ituri’s wealth of mineral resources, particularly gold, has attracted national and international players, often accused of taking advantage of community divisions to exploit these resources with impunity. What’s more, the Great Lakes region, already marked by conflicts in Rwanda and Uganda, has seen these tensions imported into the DRC, fuelling the violence in Ituri.

The situation has worsened with the collapse of state authority in certain areas. Lacking protection and guidance, young people, sometimes barely out of childhood, were forced to take up arms to defend their communities.

Despite the trauma caused by years of war, individual and community initiatives are emerging to promote peace. Elle Alphonsine Cecile, 22, a former combatant, recounts her journey marked by violence and her choice to give up her weapons to work towards reconciliation. Cecile tells Peace News Network (PNN) she regrets her actions because they did not ultimately bring her peace. 

“It was the absence of peace that drove us to take up arms. I saw my loved ones being killed, which aroused in me a deep sense of revolt. I took up arms at the age of 15 and took part in attacks, thinking that this would bring us peace. Today, I regret my actions. Living conditions remain precarious, but I believe that a future of stability is possible”, she declares.

Elle Alphonsine Cécile, a young woman involved in Ituri’s peacebuilding efforts after being involved in fighting. Photo by Anicet Kimonyo.

This quest for peace goes beyond the individual. Local groups organize forums for inter-community dialogue, where former enemies meet to exchange ideas, share experiences, and discuss ways of preventing further violence. Young people like Cecile and 22-year-old Ngabu Jospin are actively involved in these efforts. After leaving militia groups, the two joined a farm road maintenance initiative, helping to build trust between local tribes. In Jospin’s words, “Peaceful coexistence is better than unnecessary conflicts that plague the region.”

Jospin Jacques Ngabo; 22 years old, a native of Kwabdruma. A militia member of the Codeco /ARDC group, Jospin surrendered his weapon in January 2019. Diango village, photo by Anicet Kimonyo.

An integrated approach to restoring peace

Faced with this complex situation, the Congolese authorities and international organizations have adopted a multi-faceted approach, combining military intervention, disarmament programs, and socio-economic reintegration initiatives.

On the security front, the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) have carried out offensives against several armed groups, reducing their capacity to cause harm. These operations have enabled them to liberate strategic areas such as Diango, once a stronghold of the ”Patriotic Force and Integrationist of Congo”  (FPIC) armed group.

”It used to be impossible to access Diango. But thanks to military operations and disarmament programs, security has been restored. Hema, Lendu, and Bira now meet, pray together and work side by side. These ex-militiamen, who were once enemies, have become citizens committed to living together,” says a local official.

The authorities have also set up demobilization and reintegration programs. These initiatives provide ex-combatants with vocational training, helping them to rebuild their lives on solid foundations. At the same time, development projects, such as support for agriculture and infrastructure construction, are strengthening the resilience of local communities.

Humanitarian impact and persistent challenges

Despite these advances, many challenges remain. The region is still marked by inter-ethnic massacres and targeted attacks on IDP camps, where thousands of families seek refuge. This violence is exacerbating an already critical humanitarian crisis, characterized by food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and precarious living conditions. 

Soldiers in Ituri, photo by Anicet Kimonyo.

At the same time, ethnic divisions continue to be exploited by certain political and economic players. This instrumentalization threatens peace efforts by exacerbating tensions between communities.

For national deputy Gracien Iracan de Saint-Nicolas, elected in Ituri province, another major obstacle is the lack of confidence in state institutions, which are perceived as inefficient or corrupt. For peace to be sustainable in Ituri, it is essential to strengthen local governance and restore the credibility of the authorities with the local population. The corrupt state institutions are the leaders in Ituri province, according to Deputy Gracien Iracan and even other national deputies.

Several reports point out that much of the insecurity is fuelled by a few local authorities and leaders with the aim of commercializing the mineral business, in addition to conflicts over access to land.

Despite this difficult context, inspiring examples of resilience and solidarity are emerging. Local associations are organising awareness campaigns to promote dialogue and deconstruct ethnic prejudice. Such associations include the Union des associations culturelles pour le développement de l’Ituri and Rebatisseurs, which focus on dialogue and peace-building with community leaders, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), and the Provincial Government and its partners. MONUSCO organised a dialogue between the Lesse and Nande communities whose conflict was linked to land. All these associations are active in community action and projects, such as agricultural cooperatives and learning centres, enabling the inhabitants to work together, whatever their origin, in order to create this feeling of living together between the communities. The conflicts that are coming back to the table are essentially linked to access to land, with the problem linked to mines in certain territories, as is the case with Djugu, and even the absence of state authority.

Women’s groups such as Forum d’appui au développement de la femme, Forum des mamans de l’ituri ‘Fomi,’ and many others also play a central role in these efforts. As direct victims of violence, they are often at the forefront of reconciliation initiatives. Alphonsine Cecile’s testimony illustrates the determination of women to transform their painful experiences into a driving force for positive change.

What’s more, the Iturian diaspora, though often geographically remote, provides crucial support by funding development projects and advocating lasting peace on the international stage.

A vision for the future of Ituri

To transform Ituri into a true Eldorado of peace, local initiatives must be supported by coherent efforts at national and international level. This includes setting up transitional justice mechanisms to deal with past crimes and restore trust between communities.

Rebuilding state authority is also essential. A strong state, capable of guaranteeing security and providing basic services, is a sine qua non for preventing a return to violence.

Finally, the international community has a role to play in providing technical and financial support, while ensuring that Ituri’s natural resources are used transparently and equitably.

Despite persistent challenges, the examples of Alphonsine, Ngabu Jospin, and other ex-combatants show that hope for renewal is alive and well in Ituri. Through renewed dialogue and local development initiatives, communities are paving the way for a future where the wounds of the past will give way to a new beginning. Ituri, once synonymous with violence, could one day become a model of resilience and peaceful coexistence in Central Africa.

Elle Alphonsine Cécile, photo by Anicet Kimonyo.

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