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Achieving peace-positive climate adaptation in the Philippines’ Bangsamoro Region

By
Jon H. Gaviola and Laurence L. Delina
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Lake Lanao, located in the Bangsamuro region, photo by PeterParker22 via Wikipedia.

The Bangsamoro region of the Philippines’ Mindanao island has long been the center of violent conflicts stemming from deep historical, political, economic, and cultural issues. The Moro people have sought autonomy due to past injustices and ongoing marginalization. Their pursuit of peace is further complicated by political power struggles, economic disparities, and identity challenges. Climate change intensifies these difficulties by increasing the severity and frequency of extreme weather events, which exacerbate issues such as inequality, exclusion, poor governance, and human rights violations – root causes of ongoing violence.

Climate change presents a serious risk to the region’s agricultural sector, a key pillar of its GDP. The effects include a rise in pests, reduced crop yields, and diminished income for smallholder farmers. In 2024, multiple provinces were designated as being in a state of emergency due to the El Niño phenomenon, resulting in damages to crops and livestock worth at least 1.4 billion Philippine pesos. Projections indicate that these effects will intensify, with recent climate models predicting drier conditions by 2050.

To tackle the dual challenges of violent conflicts and climate change, we embraced the concept of peace-positive climate adaptation, initially proposed by peacebuilding experts Dan Smith and Janani Vivekananda of International Alert. This approach connects climate adaptation to peacebuilding goals. Its objective is to strengthen the resilience of the Bangsamoro communities by incorporating conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding principles into climate adaptation initiatives. We present four key recommendations.

  1. Climate-responsive social and livelihood protection measures

Enhancing social protection initiatives like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which offers cash assistance to low-income families, is vital. These initiatives can be modified to better respond to extreme weather threats by creating flexible systems that can be swiftly scaled during climate disasters. Furthermore, implementing climate risk insurance will safeguard farmers from crop losses, boosting their resilience and supporting sustainable development. By providing starter packs for new income-generating activities and accessible micro-loans, we can empower low-income and vulnerable families to achieve asset and income growth. 

  1. Climate-resilient farming techniques

Promoting the use of certified seeds and stress-resistant crop varieties is crucial for crops to endure extreme weather. It is also vital to ensure access to high-quality fry and fingerlings for aquaculture projects. Developing irrigation systems that can adapt to climate variability, along with efficient water management technologies, will help lessen the effects of climate change. Providing farmers with timely and precise weather and climate updates will enable them to plan cropping seasons and prepare for adverse weather events. Emphasizing high-value crops with strong export potential and adopting integrated farming systems will optimize land utilization.

  1. Capacity-building for local, peace-promoting climate adaptation offices

Bolstering local disaster risk reduction and management offices is essential for improving community resilience. A decentralized strategy for peace-positive climate adaptation will empower local governments to tackle climate-fragility risks efficiently. It is also crucial to create long-term peace-positive climate adaptation plans supported by the local disaster risk reduction and management fund.

  1. Conflict-sensitive approaches

To ensure that climate adaptation measures are sensitive to conflict, it is essential to recognize possible sources of conflict in communities. Involving communities in planning and decision-making enhances public impact and fosters support. Embracing the “do no harm” principle guarantees that adaptation initiatives do not adversely affect or obstruct the positive developments within Bangsamoro communities.

Addressing climate adaptation in the Philippine Bangsamoro is critical due to the dual threats of climate change and ongoing violent conflicts. Our recommendations propose integrating conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding principles into climate adaptation strategies to strengthen the resilience of Bangsamoro communities and their livelihoods. It is essential for both regional and local governments to actively participate in the intricate process of climate adaptation in these vulnerable areas, ensuring that implementation is sustainable, transparent, accountable, and efficient. This strategy not only tackles the immediate challenges posed by climate change, but also fosters enduring peace and stability across the region.

Keywords: climate adaptation, climate change, Philippines, peace, peace-positive, conflict, conflict resolution, Bangsamoro

This Week in Peace #76: March 28

By
Tara Abhasakun
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Gazans protest against Hamas, screenshot from CNN video.

This week, peace fragile after South Sudan’s first vice president is arrested. Israelis and Palestinians protest for peace. Will Ukraine and Russia’s Black Sea ceasefire hold out?

Peace Fragile After South Sudan’s First Vice President Arrested

South Sudan’s peace is in a fragile state after the country’s First Vice President Riek Machar was arrested on March 26. Machar is the long-time rival of President Salva Kiir. In a video address, opposition spokesperson Pal Mai Deng said that Machar was being confined by the government, and that his life was “at risk.” 

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) chief Nicholas Haysom said in a statement that the country’s leaders “stand on the brink of relapsing into widespread conflict or taking the country forward towards peace, recovery and democracy in the spirit of the consensus that was reached in 2018 when they signed and committed to implementing a Revitalized Peace Agreement.” UNMISS called on all parties to exercise restraint. 

This development comes after, on March 5, South Sudanese forces arrested the country’s oil minister, along with several senior military officials allied with Machar. Puok Both Baluang, another spokesperson for Machar, told Reuters that oil minister Puot Kang Chol and deputy head of the army Gabriel Doup Lam were arrested, and that all other senior military officials allied with Machar were put under house arrest. On March 6, forces arrested the country’s peacebuilding minister Stephen Par Kuol.

South Sudan experienced a civil war in 2013 between Machar and President Salva Kiir. Kiir accused Machar of plotting against him, and Machar was removed as vice president. This led to brutal violence between armed groups supporting both figures. In 2018, a peace deal was agreed upon, however, many issues remain. Although the agreement ended a five-year civil war that killed over 400,000 people, talks stalled after Kiir sacked the former government delegation to the talks. 

Israelis and Palestinians Protest for Peace

After the ceasefire between Israel and Gaza collapsed, Israelis and Palestinians are both protesting for peace. On March 25, hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza protested against the ruling Hamas government. Demonstrators chanted, “Out out out, Hamas get out,” and, “We want to end the war.”

The protests came just three days after, on March 22, over 100,000 people in Israel took to the streets of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other cities, to demand a deal between Israel and Hamas to release the remaining hostages, NPR reported. Demonstrators called for new elections, and accused Israel’s government of working against its people.

Palestinians and Israelis have both suffered massively from the war since October 7, with over 1,200 people killed in Israel, and nearly 50,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza, according to the strip’s health ministry. 

Will Ukraine and Russia’s Black Sea Ceasefire Hold Out?

On March 25, international media reported that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to a naval ceasefire in the Black Sea after separate talks with the US in Saudi Arabia. The White House said that both countries had agreed “to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea.”

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed in a news conference that Ukraine had agreed to stop using force in the black sea, however, the Kremlin released a statement with several conditions for signing up to the agreement, CNN reported. 

Russia says that it will only agree to the deal if restrictions on its agricultural exports imposed by the US and European Union are lifted. The Kremlin said it wouldn’t agree to the deal unless its state agriculture bank and other financial institutions involved in food and fertilizer trade were reconnected to the international payment system Swift. Swift’s headquarters are in Belgium, and the US would have to press European regulators to agree, The New York Times reported. 

Meanwhile, the White House said in a statement that it would “help restore Russia’s access to the world market for agricultural and fertilizer exports, lower maritime insurance costs, and enhance access to ports and payment systems for such transactions.”

Ukraine said that Russia launched a drone strike against the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Mykolaiv just hours after the White House announced that both countries had agreed to the ceasefire.

These developments come after last week, Russia and Ukraine made minimal progress in peace. While Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a full and immediate ceasefire, merely agreeing to halt attacks on energy infrastructure following a phone call with US President Donald Trump on March 18. Hours after the phone call, the two countries had already accused each other of launching air attacks that caused fires and damaged infrastructure. 

Teaching Peace: Nurturing Young Peacemakers in Ghana through Education

By
Mohammed Ibrahim
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Students of St Paul's Catholic Basic School been taught a peace education lesson, photo by CPRC.

In a region where ethnic and religious diversity sometimes fuels tension, Ghana stands out as one of West Africa’s most peaceful nations. This reputation, however, cannot be taken for granted. 

In September 2024, Ghana experienced incidents of violence over upcoming elections. Other countries in the region such as Mali and Guinea have dealt with ethnic and religious violence in recent decades, including violence committed by youth. 

But efforts are being made to sustain harmony, particularly through peace education in schools. Peace education and sensitization programs aim to empower students as peace ambassadors. Schools across the Ashanti and Central Regions of Ghana are teaching peace education, where students learn conflict resolution skills, social justice principles, and the value of peaceful coexistence. 

Students of Aggrey Memorial Senior High School being taught a peace education lesson, photo by CRPC.

“Ghana is a diverse country with different tribes and religions. Despite this, we have remained peaceful,” said Dr. Charles Ohene-Amoh, the Regional Executive Secretary of the Central Regional Peace Council (CRPC) of Ghana’s National Peace Council (NPC).  “To sustain this, we must instill the culture of peace in our young people,” he told Peace News Network (PNN). 

Promoting Peaceful Coexistence in Diversity

In January 2025, the CRPC collaborated with St Paul’s Catholic Basic School to educate students on peacebuilding, which is crucial for the country’s future stability.

The initiative was a peace education sensitization program themed “Peaceful Coexistence in Diversity.” The program focused on: strengthening students’ understanding of peaceful coexistence, reducing classroom conflicts and bullying, promoting peer mediation, and conflict resolution. Dr. Ohene-Amoh emphasized the need for peace education in schools. 

“We believe that one of the most effective ways to prevent conflicts is to educate the youth on how to live in harmony… Schools provide the perfect setting because students are already gathered in large numbers, making it easy to reach them,” he said.

Students of St Paul’s Catholic Basic School being taught a peace education lesson, photo by CRPC.

He highlighted that schools reflect the country’s diversity, with students from various ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. The program teaches them to embrace differences rather than allow them to become sources of conflict.

“When we visit schools, we see Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists learning together. We teach them to appreciate their diversity and to coexist peacefully. The results have been encouraging.”

The initiative has already shown positive outcomes. When the CRPC revisits schools where the program has been implemented, they observe noticeable improvements in student interactions. “We see fewer conflicts among students. They have become more tolerant and better at resolving disagreements peacefully,” Dr. Ohene-Amoh added.

Peace Education as a Tool for Conflict Prevention

Beyond promoting peaceful coexistence, the program also prepares students for the future. Many of them may later join law enforcement agencies or other security sectors, where their conduct will be scrutinized.

“We made them understand that their behavior in school could affect their future careers. Many didn’t realize that background checks are conducted before recruitment into security services,” Dr. Oene-Amoh said.

He said that additionally, the program introduced peace classes in schools where students voluntarily learn about conflict resolution and earn certificates for their participation. While attendance is not mandatory, students who participate are encouraged with certificates. This motivates them, Dr. Ohene-Amoh explained, to take peacebuilding seriously and apply these lessons in their communities.

Students of St Paul’s Catholic Basic School being taught a peace education lesson, photo by CRPC.

The Ghanaian government has also contributed to maintaining peace in schools by banning demonstrations within educational institutions. This has significantly reduced violence on school premises. “Since the ban, we have not recorded any violent attacks in schools. Combined with peace education, this has created a safer learning environment,” Dr. Ahone-Amoh said.

Youth and Political Manipulation

One major concern in many African nations is the role of youth in political violence. Politicians often exploit young people’s energy and passion, leading them into conflicts. However, with proper peace education, students are less likely to be used as tools for political violence.

“With peace education, the youth will understand the dangers of being manipulated for political purposes. They will think critically before engaging in violent acts,” Dr. Ohene-Amoh stated.

The Challenge of Funding

Despite the program’s success, funding remains a significant challenge. The CRPC struggles to reach all 23 districts in the region due to financial constraints. “We write to organizations for support because our resources are limited. Without adequate funding, it is difficult to reach every student who needs this education,” he said.

“Train a Child, and They Will Not Depart from It”

Barbara Yabom, the CRPC’s Program Manager, described Ghana as one of Africa’s most peaceful countries, largely due to its emphasis on peace education. She cited a biblical proverb, “When you train a child in the right way, they will not depart from it when they grow.”

She emphasized that many young people who engage in violent behavior come from backgrounds where conflict resolution skills were not taught. She said that by training them in peacebuilding early, “we hope to create a generation that values harmony.”

To Yabom, peace education should be a continuous process to instill the values of forgiveness and tolerance. “We have received delegations from countries like Malawi and Ivory Coast who come to learn how Ghana maintains its peace. Peace education is part of our success story.”

She stressed that peace education should not only focus on adults, and noted that it is unfortunate that some people think it should. Yabom added that children are future leaders, and that teaching them these skills now will help them grow up to be responsible citizens who resolve conflicts peacefully.

Calls for Peace Education in the Curriculum

Sam, a senior high school tutor from Aggrey Memorial A.M.E Zion Senior High School Mr Appiah whose school participated in the peace education program, advocated for peace education to be included in the national curriculum, saying that it would help address the “culture of impunity” among students, and reduce their exposure to violent influences from social media.

He noted that many students are unaware of the laws governing juvenile violence. “Some think they can act violently without consequences because they are young. But with education, they will understand that even in school, they must obey the law.”

Students of Aggrey Memorial A.M.E Zion Senior High School during a peace education talk, photo by CRPC.

Appiah believes peace education in schools plays a vital role in shaping students’ moral values. “If we sustain this effort, we will raise a generation of young people who value peace. ”

While challenges such as funding issues persist, the impact of peace education in Ghanaian schools is evident. By instilling values of tolerance, respect, and conflict resolution in students, Ghana is not only securing its present peace, but also building a future where harmony prevails.

As Dr. Ohene-Amoh aptly put it: “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice and tolerance.”

Keywords: education, peace education, peace, Ghana, peacebuilding, conflict, conflict resolution, youth, Africa, West Africa

Key Challenges Hindering Peace in Guinea

By
Ibrahim Bangura
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The 2019–2020 Guinean protests against the rule of Alpha Condé, photo by Aboubacarkhoraa via Wikipedia.

Guinea has long grappled with political instability, economic hardship, and social unrest, leading to multiple military coups and widespread poverty. The country now stands at a crossroads; Its search for peace, beyond reducing conflict, is about building strong institutions, fostering national unity, and socio-economic development (Bangura 2019). This article explores Guinea’s tumultuous past, the challenges it faces today, and the pathways it can take toward a peaceful and prosperous future.

After gaining independence from France in 1958, Guinea pursued an ambitious path of economic self-reliance under the rule of President Sékou Touré. Touré’s regime was authoritarian, with widespread human rights abuses. Following his death in 1984, Lansana Conté took power through a military coup, promising democratic reforms which were unfulfilled. 

Ethnic tensions, economic mismanagement, and corruption fuelled civilian resentment. Public protests and strikes culminated in the 2008 coup that brought Captain Moussa Dadis Camara to power. His short-lived and controversial rule ended with an assassination attempt, paving the way for a transitional government and the country’s first democratic elections in 2010.

Despite the election of Alpha Condé, political unrest, electoral disputes, and economic instability persisted. The 2021 coup, which ousted Condé, highlighted the immense socio-political challenges the country still faces. Key challenges that the country contends with include:

Political instability and governance issues: Guinea’s political landscape is defined by coups, contested elections, and weak democratic institutions. The transition from military to civilian rule remains incomplete, as successive governments have struggled to establish trust in democratic processes. 

Economic Disparities and Resource Management: Rich in natural resources, Guinea possesses vast reserves of bauxite, gold, diamonds, and iron ore. However, a lack of transparency in mining contracts, corruption and weak regulatory frameworks have prevented sustained and inclusive economic growth. Guinea scored 28th place out of 100 in the 2024 Corruption Perception Index by Transparency International.

Social Divisions and Ethnic Tensions: Guinea’s ethnic diversity, while a source of cultural richness, has also caused division. Political parties and leaders have historically exploited ethnic identities to consolidate power, exacerbating tensions among the Malinke, Fulani, Soussou, and other groups. Without efforts to foster inclusivity, these divisions will erode national unity (Bertelsmann Stiftung 2024).

Infrastructure Deficiencies and Public Services: Inadequate road networks, unreliable electricity, and a fragile healthcare system impede Guinea’s development. Access to quality education and healthcare remains limited, particularly in rural areas, deepening inequalities and restricting opportunities for progress.

Security Concerns and Regional Instability: Guinea is situated in a region with significant security challenges, including conflicts in neighbouring Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Mali. Porous borders and weak security apparatus make Guinea vulnerable to transnational threats such as terrorism, arms trafficking, and organised crime.

Guinea’s historical challenges and current obstacles hinder its search for peace. But by fostering democratic governance, promoting economic inclusivity, strengthening national unity, investing in human capital, and enhancing security, Guinea can carve a path toward a future defined by stability and prosperity.

Firstly, a stable future for Guinea requires robust democratic institutions that can withstand political crises. Constitutional reforms should focus on limiting presidential terms, independent judiciary systems, and free and fair elections. Empowered civil society organisations can hold the government accountable and advocate for citizens’ rights. 

Secondly, sustainable economic growth must be prioritised by ensuring transparency in the management of natural resources, promoting local industries, and investing in human capital. Economic diversification beyond mining—such as through agriculture, tourism, and technology—can create jobs and reduce dependency on resource exports. Public-private partnerships can also play a crucial role in enhancing infrastructure and service delivery.

Thirdly, overcoming ethnic divisions requires deliberate efforts to promote inclusivity and reconciliation. Political representation of diverse religious and ethnic groups could foster a sense of shared identity and purpose. Political leaders must refrain from using divisive rhetoric, and instead champion policies that minimise marginalisation, regardless of ethnic background.

Fourthly, a peaceful future for Guinea hinges on an educated and healthy population. Increased investment in education will equip young people with the skills needed for the job market, and foster a culture of civic engagement. Strengthening the healthcare system, particularly in rural areas, will improve life expectancy and overall well-being, reducing frustrations at poor public services.

Finally, civilian oversight of Guinea’s security sector will help keep it accountable. Training security forces in conflict resolution and community policing can reduce the likelihood of excessive force against civilians. Cross-border security threats can be tackled collaboratively by strengthening regional partnerships with organisations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). 

The road ahead is difficult, but with political will and collective effort, Guinea can overcome its past. The resilience of its people, coupled with strategic reforms, can transform the nation’s potential into reality. The search for peace in Guinea is not a dream—it is a necessity for the country’s progress.

Keywords: Guinea, peace, elections, coup, conflict, ethnic groups, democracy, conflict resolution, poverty, socio-political, Africa, African

References

Bangura, Ibrahim. 2019. Resisting War: Guinean Youth and Civil Wars in the Mano River Basin. Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, Vol. 14(1) 36-48.

Bertelsmann Stiftung, BTI 2024 Country Report — Guinea. Gütersloh: Bertelsmann Stiftung, 2024.

This Week in Peace #75: March 21

By
Tara Abhasakun
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0
People in DRC fleeing fighting between government forces and M23 rebels, screenshot from DW video.

This week, ceasefire collapses between Israel and Gaza despite international peace efforts. DRC and Rwanda presidents meet for talks in Qatar as M23 rebels pull out of talks in Angola. After minimal peace progress for Ukraine and Russia, officials to meet for talks with US in Saudi Arabia.

Ceasefire Collapses Between Israel and Gaza Despite International Peace Efforts

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Gaza has collapsed. On March 18, Israel launched airstrikes on the strip, killing over 400 Palestinians. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it was attacking “terror targets.” A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that Hamas had repeatedly refused to release hostages, and rejected all proposals from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and mediators. On March 19, Israel launched what it called “targeted ground activities” in Gaza. 

These developments follow efforts by several countries to negotiate a ceasefire. On March 12, US envoy Steve Witkoff presented an updated proposal for a month-long extension of the Israel-Gaza ceasefire, which expired on March 1, in exchange for the release of at least five living hostages, and the remains of around nine hostages currently held captive by Hamas. 

Israel says that Hamas is still holding 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to still be alive. Palestinians and Israelis have both suffered massively from the war since October 7, with over 1,200 people killed in Israel, and nearly 50,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza, according to the strip’s health ministry. 

DRC and Rwanda Presidents Meet for Talks in Qatar as M23 Rebels Pull Out of Talks in Angola

The presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) met in Qatar for peace talks on March 18. The talks came just a day after the M23 rebel group, which has taken over areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)’s eastern region, announced that it was pulling out of peace talks scheduled for the next day in Angola. 

A joint statement issued with Qatar said that “The Heads of State then agreed on the need to continue the discussions initiated in Doha in order to establish solid foundations for lasting peace.” In the past, DRC President President Felix Tshisekedi has refused to meet M23 for direct talks, however, last week he indicated that he was ready for dialogue, DW reported.

The Congo River Alliance of rebel groups, which includes, said it was pulling out of talks over sanctions that the European Union (EU) imposed earlier in the day against M23 and Rwandan officials. The statement added that the EU’s actions were “obstructing” the talks, and Rwanda said that it would be cutting ties with Belgium, accusing the country of trying to “sustain its neo-colonial delusions.”

In June 2024, an investigation commissioned by the UN Security Council revealed that the DRC’s neighbor, Rwanda, has actively backed this armed group, with the Rwanda Defence Force identified as having ‘de facto’ control over M23. However, Rwanda denies supporting the group.

After Minimal Peace Progress for Ukraine and Russia, Officials to Meet for Talks With US in Saudi Arabia

Following the minimal peace progress achieved for Ukraine and Russia this week, officials of both countries plan to meet with US officials separately next week. Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky said in an X post about the upcoming talks, “We instructed our teams to resolve technical issues related to implementing and expanding the partial ceasefire.” 

Russia will be represented by Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the director of the Federal Security Service (FSB), and Grigory Karasin, a former diplomat who now chairs the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs. 

This development comes after the two countries made minimal progress in peace this week. While Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a full and immediate ceasefire, merely agreeing to halt attacks on energy infrastructure following a phone call with US President Donald Trump on March 18. Hours after the phone call, the two countries had already accused each other of launching air attacks that caused fires and damaged infrastructure. To read Peace News Network (PNN)’s full report of these events, click here.

Keywords: Israel, Palestine, Gaza, peace, Rwanda, Ukraine, Russia, conflict, conflict resolution, ceasefire, peace talks

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