A mud brick temple in Sudan, photo by Walter Callens via Wikipedia.
This week, UN envoy meets with Sudanese liberation movement leader to discuss peace. UN trains South Sudanese officers in preventing violence against women. Peace talks stalling for Russia and Ukraine.
UN Envoy Meets with Sudanese Liberation Movement Leader to Discuss Peace
On March 23, UN envoy Pekka Haavisto met with the governor of Darfur region and leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement Minni Arko Minawi to discuss paths to peace in the war-torn country.
Minawi said that any political initiative must aim to keep Sudan’s people and territory united, as well as the Sudanese government and armed forces. He maintained that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) must be excluded from any further dialogue. The UAE admitted in November 2025 that it had made policy mistakes after its reputation was tarnished over its support for Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
According to the Darfur government, Haavisto expressed worries about Sudan’s humanitarian situation, especially in Darfur. Both parties agreed to continue coordination between international partners, and to organize dialogue among Sudanese stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the UN is working with the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Arab league, and the European Union (EU) to manage Sudan’s situation, and build ties between different groups.
UN Trains South Sudanese Officers in Preventing Violence Against Women
In the midst of South Sudan’s growing conflict between the government and rebel forces, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is training 30 officers, including eight women, in preventing violence against women. This training involves a wide range of topics including conflict and gender-based sexual violence, child protection, HIV/AIDS awareness, community policing, referral pathways, and practical problem-solving.
This development comes after on March 17, UNICEF said around 100,000 South Sudanese people have fled to Ethiopia in Jonglei state.
Women in particular risk rape, forced marriage, and sexual slavery, UNMISS reports. Officer Ayen Mayen said that women police officers often face threats to their lives.
“When a policewoman investigates, her life is often at risk. Stronger responses and closer collaboration are what we need to make Jonglei safer, where survivors are protected, and perpetrators face justice,” Mayen said.
Commander of the UNMISS UN Police team in Bor Mwewa Mervyn Musonda noted that two essential components of an effective response were protecting confidentiality, as well as “rejecting all forms of victim-blaming.”
Peace Talks Stalling for Russia and Ukraine
Peace talks are stalling for Russia and Ukraine. A Ukrainian delegation returned from two days of talks in Miami over what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as “the key points, opportunities and challenges.” US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said on March 22 that the talks were “constructive,” the talks did little to achieve peace.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy told Reutersthis week that US president Donald Trump is pressuring Ukraine to give up Donbas to Russia. Ukraine maintains that the most sensitive issues, including on its territory, can only be discussed in a direct meeting between Zelenskyy, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskyy said, “Meetings at the leadership level are needed to truly resolve these issues.”
Keywords: Sudan, South Sudan, Russia, Ukraine, peace, conflict, conflict resolution, ceasefire, women
Sultan Kudarat province, Philippines. Photo via Wikipedia.
The Philippines’ Sultan Kudarat province conflict has experienced the impact of the Moro conflict between Muslim groups fighting for autonomy, and the national government. Since the conflict began in 1968, around 150,000 people have been killed. Fighting persists despite the signing of a peace deal in 2014 with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
In areas marked by armed conflict, the role of a school head extends far beyond managing lessons and overseeing classrooms. It becomes a matter of safeguarding lives, nurturing hope, and actively building peace within fragile and disrupted communities. Amidst violence, these school heads are building peace by sustaining safe learning spaces where children can continue to study despite insecurity and fear. For many school leaders, every day is a delicate balancing act between fear and purpose, where the corridors of learning intersect with the harsh realities of armed conflict, yet also become spaces of resilience, protection, and continuity of education.
A qualitative study involving five school heads working in the province’s Palimbang municipality revealed the extraordinary responsibilities they shoulder in ensuring both student safety and the continuity of education. Through in-depth interviews, the study documented how these leaders navigate daily risks brought about by armed encounters and localized conflicts that continue to affect some communities, disrupting classes and exposing children to psychological distress, displacement, and uncertainty. In several regions, intermittent violence and security threats have led to class suspensions and heightened fear among learners, underscoring the vulnerability of schools situated in conflict-prone environments.
One school head recalled the unsettling sound of gunfire as students scrambled under desks, while another described calmly guiding learners to safety even as violence unfolded nearby. Despite these realities, school heads consistently place student welfare above all else, often making split-second decisions that can mean the difference between life and death. As one participant shared, “Receiving threats made me want to leave, but the support of the community kept me going,” highlighting both the risks they face and the vital role of community support in sustaining leadership in crisis contexts.
Leadership Amid Crisis
Crisis defines daily life in these schools. Lessons are interrupted, schedules disrupted, and emergency plans often take precedence over curricula. School heads frequently find themselves delivering learning materials in precarious situations or coordinating sudden evacuations while ensuring that education continues. This kind of leadership is reactive yet essential; it requires rapid judgment, adaptability, and courage.
Experts in crisis management note that such leadership is situational. “In conflict zones, school leaders are not just administrators—they are emergency responders, safety officers, and moral anchors all at once,” said one researcher. The narratives gathered highlight that leadership here is less about authority and more about the moral responsibility to protect and sustain life.
Amid these challenges, school heads also serve as stabilizing figures who help rebuild trust within fractured communities by maintaining continuity in education despite insecurity. Their presence provides children with a sense of normalcy and emotional security, reinforcing the idea that learning can persist even in the most unstable environments.
Community as a Lifeline
No school head survives in isolation. Teachers, parents, local officials, and even security personnel play a vital role in sustaining educational activities. The community’s collective support becomes a lifeline, helping leaders maintain both the physical and emotional security of their schools. One principal emphasized, “We face danger together—teachers, students, parents—we all stand as one.”
This collaboration underscores a key principle of peacebuilding: that resilience is often nurtured through relationships. Communities offer not only protection but also emotional reassurance, creating networks that enable leadership to persist even under continuous threat. Leadership in these contexts is, therefore, inherently collective, rooted in trust, shared responsibility, and mutual commitment.
Living With Constant Vigilance
School heads describe a daily existence marked by vigilance and uncertainty. Fear is constant, yet it is tempered by hope and moral responsibility. Soldiers may be stationed in classrooms; teachers and administrators remain alert to every potential threat. Decision-making is informed by an acute awareness of the environment, where preparedness, rather than stability, defines each day.
Despite the emotional strain, school leaders find purpose in their work. “Education is a weapon,” one school head remarked. “If not me, then who?” For many, their commitment to learners and communities transforms fear into motivation. Leadership becomes not only about surviving threats but also about modeling courage, hope, and perseverance.
Growth and Transformation
Conflict reshapes leaders as much as it challenges them. Prolonged exposure to danger fosters resilience, emotional strength, and adaptability. Several school heads reported gaining empathy, maturity, and new crisis management skills, while also acknowledging the toll on their personal lives. Sleep disturbances, fatigue, and physical tension are common, underscoring that leadership stress extends beyond professional duties.
Yet, these challenges are intertwined with profound fulfillment. Watching students attend classes safely, seeing teachers and families remain engaged despite adversity, and observing community cohesion all offer moments of joy and accomplishment. Leadership, in this sense, is inseparable from the larger mission of peace and education: guiding communities through uncertainty while nurturing hope.
Lessons in Leadership and Peace
The experiences of school heads reveal several key lessons. First, leadership under conflict is grounded in service and moral responsibility. Resilience, empathy, and perseverance emerge not from formal training but from lived experience. Second, collaborative networks and strong community ties are essential for sustaining education and safety. Finally, leadership in these settings demonstrates the potential for education to serve as a tool for reconciliation, social cohesion, and long-term community transformation.
Looking forward, many school heads envision leadership that goes beyond survival. They aspire to foster safe learning environments, empowered teachers, and communities free from cycles of violence. Their hope reflects a belief in education as both a stabilizing force and a pathway to peace—a commitment that turns classrooms into spaces of learning, protection, and healing.
Supporting Leaders in High-Risk Settings
The narratives highlight the need for policies and programs that recognize the psychological and practical challenges faced by conflict-affected schools. Trauma-informed leadership training, psychosocial support, and conflict-sensitive management strategies are crucial. Strengthening community partnerships and ensuring institutional support can help school heads continue their work effectively.
Ultimately, the story of school heads in conflict-affected areas is a story of courage, resilience, and hope. It reminds us that peacebuilding is not only about diplomacy or political agreements—it is also about ordinary people stepping into extraordinary roles, protecting lives, nurturing communities, and sustaining learning amid chaos. Leadership in these environments is adaptive, relational, and deeply purpose-driven, demonstrating that even in the shadow of conflict, education can be a powerful force for stability, recovery, and peace.
KeywordS: Philippines, Moro conflict, Sultan Kudarat, separatist, insurgency, peace, conflict, conflict resolution, Muslim
Peace journalism training in Central African Republic (CAR), photo provided by author.
In the Central African Republic (CAR), an ongoing civil war between the government and various armed groups has shaped daily life since 2012. Armed conflict had internally displaced 427,479 people, with 732,906 people made refugees in neighboring countries, as of January 2026.
In Bangui, the country’s capital, 30 journalists have recently discovered a new way to do their jobs. Working with the human rights journalism network Réseau des Journalistes pour les Droits de l’Homme (RJDH), they took part in peace journalism training that changed their approach to reporting. The results, published in Journalism Practice in January 2026, offer hopeful lessons for the media in conflict-affected regions worldwide.
Peace journalism does not ignore violence. It is about asking different questions: not just who won or lost, but why conflict persists and who is working toward solutions. It centres the voices of ordinary citizens alongside armed actors and politicians. It avoids inflammatory language and seeks clarity and balance instead.
Here are three things the CAR experience reveals about what peace journalism training can and cannot do.
1.Peace Journalism Training gives journalists a framework they were already looking for
When the training began, many participants said they had already covered peace talks, reconciliation meetings and community dialogues. Yet most had never heard the term ‘peace journalism.’ One reporter put it simply: “I have written stories about peace negotiations, but I did not know it was a specific kind of journalism.”
This revealed something important. The desire to report responsibly already existed. What was missing was a shared framework and practical tools. Through workshops built around real reporting scenarios, participants practiced reframing headlines, identifying missing voices, and choosing language that reduced harm rather than escalate fear. One journalist reflected, “The scenarios helped me realise I could ask different questions in my interviews, questions that focus on peace, not just conflict.”
Peace journalism training in Central African Republic, photo provided by authors.
In polarised environments, this shift matters deeply.
2. Peace journalism training transforms professional identity, even when systems resist change
Three months after the training, many journalists had already changed how they framed their stories. One described consciously including community voices when covering a militia-related incident, and deliberately avoiding words that might inflame tensions.
But almost every follow-up conversation returned to the same frustration: “Conflict sells faster than dialogue.”
Editors often want dramatic headlines. Breaking news moves quickly. Resources are tight. Even when a reporter wants to apply peace journalism principles, newsroom culture may not support it. This is the heart of the challenge: training can change minds, but without institutional support, implementation becomes inconsistent.
Still, something powerful happened. Before the training, most journalists saw their role as simply reporting what happened. Afterwards, they began to see themselves as active contributors to either escalation or de-escalation of the conflict. As one participant said, “I can help reduce harm by how I choose to report.” This shift in consciousness changes how a journalist walks into an interview, frames a question, or selects a headline, even when structural barriers remain.
Peace journalism training in Central African Republic, photo provided by authors.
3. Lasting impact requires more than workshops
The CAR experience makes it clear that one-time training is insufficient. For journalism to genuinely contribute to peacebuilding, three things are needed beyond the workshop room:
First, editors and media owners must be engaged. Reporters cannot sustain change alone if their newsrooms reward conflict-driven coverage. Second, institutional policies that protect ethical reporting must be strengthened, providing journalists with the professional backing to make different choices. Third, long-term mentorship matters: reporters need ongoing support as they navigate real-world pressures, not just certificates and handshakes.
These lessons apply far beyond the CAR. Across conflict-affected regions, journalists often want to promote social cohesion but operate within systems shaped by commercial pressures, political influence, and resource limitations. The solution is not to train individuals in isolation but to build environments where peace journalism can take root.
Media ecosystems must align institutional policies, editorial practices, and mentorship structures that reward balanced, solution-focused reporting. This requires engaging editors and media owners, strengthening ethical safeguards, ensuring journalists’ safety, and fostering collaborative networks that sustain reflective, community-oriented storytelling beyond individual training initiatives.
A quiet beginning with wide implications
What happened in CAR was not a dramatic overnight transformation. It was something quieter, journalists pausing before publishing, seeking out a community elder or a women’s group to balance a story dominated by armed voices, choosing a word that opens rather than closes the conversation.
Journalism alone cannot end a conflict. But it can create space for dialogue. It can humanize those on different sides. And in societies recovering from violence, those small choices ripple outward.
Sometimes, this is where peace begins.
Keywords: Central African Republic, CAR, peace, journalism, peace journalism, conflict, conflict resolution, media
Aerial View of Kabul Cityscape in Afghanistan, photo by Faruk Tokluoğlu via Pexels.
This week, DRC and Rwanda agree on steps to ease tensions. One hundred thousand South Sudanese flee to Ethiopia. Pakistan and Afghanistan arrive at temporary ceasefire.
DRC and Rwanda Agree on Steps to Ease Tensions
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda this week agreed on steps to ease tensions. US president Donald Trump hosted officials from both countries for talks at the White House on March 17 and 18. This was the first time officials from both countries had met after the US sanctioned the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) and four senior Rwandan military officials on March 2 for supporting M23 rebels in eastern DRC.
A joint statement by the US, DRC, and Rwanda said, “These efforts include a mutual commitment to specific measures to support each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the scheduled disengagement of forces/lifting of defensive measures by Rwanda in defined areas in DRC territory, time-bound and intensified efforts by the DRC to neutralize the FDLR, and the protection of all civilians.”
This development comes after an uptick in violence in eastern DRC. On March 11, a French UN aid worker and two other people were killed in a drone strike on a residential building in rebel-held Goma.
100,000 South Sudanese Flee to Ethiopia
Around 100,000 South Sudanese people have fled to Ethiopia amidst a “deteriorating situation for children” in Jonglei state, UNICEF said in an update on March 17. This development comes after South Sudan’s army on March 8 ordered evacuations to clear the way for a military offensive. UNICEF said in its update, “100,000 are estimated to have fled to Ethiopia from Akobo town after the evacuation order was issued. Akobo hospital was looted and closed.”
The organization added that 28 health and nutrition facilities have been destroyed or looted since January 1, with worrying malnutrition rates among children.
There have been several incidents of health, nutrition and clean water and sanitation supplies being stolen, including 17 incidents—or 80 percent of the incidents—in Jonglei.
Located on the border with Ethiopia, Akobo is an opposition stronghold where tens of thousands of refugees have fled. On March 9, UN peacekeepers defied a military order to shut down their base in the town.
Pakistan and Afghanistan Arrive at Temporary Ceasefire
Pakistan and Afghanistan arrived at a temporary ceasefire on March 18, which was set to run during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr from midnight on March 19 to midnight on March 20. Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia brokered the ceasefire.
The ceasefire comes days after Afghanistan accused Pakistan’s military of killing hundreds in an air strike on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul. Pakistan rejected the allegation, telling Al Jazeera Arabicthat it only targets “terrorist infrastructure and military locations.”
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated in recent weeks due to fighting causing casualties and property damage. Violence has killed at least 107 people on both sides since late February. Afghanistan says 13 soldiers and 76 civilians have been killed, not including the latest victims of a strike on March 16. Meanwhile, 13 soldiers and five civilians have been killed in Pakistan.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Qatar hopes the ceasefire “will pave the way for a return to a sustainable ceasefire agreement, one that spares civilian lives and achieves security and stability.”
Keywords: DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, ceasefire, peace talks, peace, conflict, conflict resolution, Trump, White House, US
Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani in a group photograph with Christians Leaders shortly after Ramadan Iftar, photo by Government House.
In a strong show of unity, Muslim and Christian leaders in Nigeria have come together during the holy seasons of Ramadan and Lent to promote peace, dialogue, and mutual support. Across several communities, the overlap of the two religious periods in February and March 2026 has created opportunities for people of different faiths to meet, pray, share meals, and assist those in need.
Religious leaders say the activities are helping build trust between Muslims and Christians at a time when the country continues to face security challenges and social tensions. Many events have included shared meals, charity work, and discussions on strengthening peace within communities.
Pastor Yuhana Buru , Solomon Dalung and Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi’s Son during iftar . Photo by Mohammed Ibrahim.
Religious leaders, community organisations, and government officials say cooperation between Christians and Muslims is essential for maintaining unity in a country where both faiths have millions of followers.
Understanding Iftar and Lent
During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast each day from dawn until sunset. At sunset, they break the fast with a meal known as iftar, often shared with family members, friends, neighbours, and sometimes people from other faiths. Ramadan is also a period devoted to prayer, self-discipline, generosity, and helping the poor. Many Muslims increase their charitable activities during this time.
For Christians, Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, repentance, and reflection before the celebration of Easter. Like Ramadan, this time is often used for charitable acts.
Because Ramadan and Lent took place around the same time this year, religious leaders say it offers a unique opportunity for Muslims and Christians to support one another and work together for peace in the country.
Continuing a Tradition of Interfaith Iftar
One of the major interfaith gatherings took place in the northern city of Kaduna during an annual interfaith Iftar hosted at the residence of the late Islamic scholar Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi on February 27, 2026.
Christian leaders and Muslims leaders at the late Scholar’s residence shortly after the len and Ramadan breaking of fast, photo by Mohammed Ibrahim.
For many years, the respected cleric welcomed Muslim and Christian leaders to break the Ramadan fast together and discuss issues affecting their communities.
The event has become a symbol of interfaith cooperation in northern Nigeria. This year’s gathering was led by former Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung, who said the tradition has strengthened friendship and dialogue among religious leaders.
“We gather here every Ramadan to break the fast together, discuss the problems facing our communities, and look for practical ways to promote peace and national unity,” Dalung said.
He noted that this year’s gathering was especially emotional because it was the first since the death of Sheikh Bauchi, who passed away after a brief illness. Dalung described the late cleric as a strong supporter of peaceful coexistence between people of different religions.
“He dedicated his life to preaching peace, tolerance, and unity,” Dalung said. “His legacy will continue to guide efforts for interfaith harmony in Nigeria.”
He also called on the government to address insecurity across the country, noting that peace and stability are essential for development.
Christian Leaders Join Iftar
Christian leaders who attended the gathering said the event showed that Muslims and Christians share common values such as compassion, charity, and respect for others. Among those present was Pastor Yohanna Buru, General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Kaduna.
Pastor Yuhana Buru, Solomon Dalung, and Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi’s Son during iftar. Photo by Mohammed Ibrahim
He said Christian leaders attended to show solidarity with their Muslim neighbours during Ramadan. “We came to congratulate our Muslim brothers on the beginning of Ramadan and to strengthen the relationship that has existed between us for many years,” he said.
Pastor Buru also described the late Sheikh Bauchi as someone who treated many Christian leaders like members of his family. “He was like a father to many of us,” Buru said. “We pray that God will reward his efforts to promote peace and understanding among people of different faiths.”
Another Christian cleric, Reverend Titus Ishaya, praised the family of the late Islamic scholar for continuing the tradition of inviting Christian leaders to the Ramadan iftar.
Responding on behalf of the family, Sheikh Ibrahim Usman Dahiru Bauchi thanked the Christian delegation for attending and promised that the family would continue their father’s legacy. “We will continue to promote peace and strengthen relationships between Muslims and Christians,” he said.
Helping the Poor During Ramadan
Interfaith cooperation in Nigeria is not limited to meetings and dialogue. Many groups are also working together to support poor and vulnerable people.
As part of these efforts, the Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry organised the distribution of food items to Muslims observing the Ramadan fast. The charity event took place at the Kano Road Central Mosque in Kaduna on February 17, 2026.
Pastor Buru said the church provided rice, maize, and other food items to assist Muslims who may struggle to provide meals during the fasting period. “The church distributed rice, maize, and other food items to poor Muslims to help them fully observe the 30-day Ramadan fast and prayers,” he said. The church also donated prayer mats and plastic kettles used for ablution before prayers.
Pastor Buru said the outreach was meant to encourage unity and remind people that helping the needy should go beyond religious differences. In response to rising food prices, the church has also mobilized volunteer pastors and imams to work with market traders to encourage fair food prices during Ramadan and Lent.
Beneficiaries Show Appreciation
Many beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support from their Christian neighbours. Hassan Lawal, leader of the Association of Persons with Disabilities in Kaduna State, said the assistance came at a critical time.
“We truly appreciate our Christian brothers and sisters,” he said. “The help they provide comes when many people are struggling and no one else seems to be thinking about us.”
Another beneficiary, Mallam Tukur Zubairu of the Visually Impaired Association, said only God could reward the church for its kindness.
Imam Ibrahim Musa, who represented Tsangaya Islamic schools, said, “People should help the poor whether they are Muslim or Christian,” he said. “This is important for the unity of our country.”
Acts of Kindness Build Trust
Religious leaders say acts of kindness help reduce suspicion and misunderstanding between communities. Imam Hussaini Ilyasu of Jama’atu Nasril Islam said the church’s support during Ramadan sends a powerful message. “What the church did is a good example that others should follow,” he said.
He added that when people show kindness to one another, it becomes harder for extremists to spread hatred. “This kind of gesture will make Muslims not see Christians as enemies, and Christians will not see Muslims as enemies,” he said.
Government Supports Interfaith Dialogue
Government leaders have also joined efforts to encourage dialogue between religious communities. One such event was hosted by the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, who invited Christian leaders to an interfaith dinner at the Government House on March 5, 2026.
The Christian delegation was led by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna State, Reverend Caleb Ma’aji. “I appreciate the Christian leaders for honouring us with their presence and praying for the continued peace and progress of our state,” he said.
CAN State Chairman Reverend Caleb Ma’aji speaking at the event, photo by Government House. Christian leaders at the gathering, photos by Government House.
Such efforts are also taking place at the national level, with president Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosting similar interfaith gatherings during Ramadan and Lent in March 2026.
