Mohabbat Khan Mosque in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, photo by US Embassy via Wikipedia.
This week, DRC’s UN peacekeeping mission repatriates 15 former Rwandan rebels. Recent violence in Jonglei threatens peace prospects in South Sudan. Pakistan’s acting president says development elusive without peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
DRC’s UN Peacekeeping Mission Repatriates 15 Former Rwandan Rebels
The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) on January 27 repatriated 15 former members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebel group. MONUSCO also repatriated 19 members of the former rebels’ families.
The repatriation was conducted as part of MONUSCO’s disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and stabilization section. MONUSCO reports an increase in the number of voluntary surrenders by Rwandan rebels in the outskirts of Goma in recent months.
A Rwandan official reported that after the latest repatriation, the total number of ex-combatants repatriated now stands at 33.
Recent Violence in Jonglei Threatens Peace Prospects in South Sudan
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on January 25 warned that the recent escalation of violence in Jonglei state threatens prospects in the country. Reports said that a senior military leader is urging troops to indiscriminately attack civilians, with over 180,000 people fleeing their homes.
Officer in Charge Graham Maitland said, “Inflammatory rhetoric calling for violence against civilians, including the most vulnerable, is utterly abhorrent and must stop now.”
After the country experienced a civil war in 2013 which killed over 400,000 people, South Sudan’s fragile peace has been deteriorating this year, despite a peace agreement signed in 2018. Amnesty International on May 28 reported that violence had killed 180 people between March and mid-April 2025 amid deepening divisions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. On September 21 2025, at least 48 people were killed and over 152 injured in fighting between South Sudan’s army and opposition forces in Burebiey.
Pakistan’s Acting President Says Development Elusive Without Peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province
Pakistan’s acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on January 28 that development and prosperity in the country appear elusive without peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Gilani has been working to promote development and prosperity throughout Pakistan, and held discussions with Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on the country’s political situation, law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, good governance, and the province’s overall socio-political conditions. He praised the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for their resilience and courage in the fight against terrorism.
Governor Kundi briefed Gilani on the ongoing measures to ensure law and order, promote good governance, and enhance public welfare in the province. Gilani stressed that development and the welfare of the province’s residents is a top priority for the government.
This development comes after at least four members of a peace committee were killed in a suspected terrorist attack in the province on January 13. In Pakistan, peace committees are local groups that help security forces maintain peace and combat extremism. Some commentators have noted a larger trend in threats against members of peace committees, and have pointed out that such committees cannot be effective without further actions by the government against extremism.
Rohingya children in Kutupalong, Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, photo by Rohingya Creative Production (RCP), free to use via Pexels.
The Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh is often framed through the lens of massive international humanitarian efforts food distributions, shelters, and emergency health care. Yet beyond these visible interventions, a quieter form of peacebuilding takes place every day in the camps of Cox’s Bazar. This work is led not by global agencies, but by local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that operate at the grassroots level.
When Myanmar’s military launched a brutal counter-insurgency and ethnic cleansing campaign in 2017, more than 750,000 Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh, joining earlier arrivals and forming the world’s largest refugee settlement. Today, over 1.2 million Rohingyas live in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char in extremely dense camps marked by poverty, trauma, insecurity, and restricted mobility. In such a volatile environment, peace is not forged through formal negotiations or political settlements. Instead, it is sustained through what scholars call “everyday peace,” small, relational practices that reduce tension and prevent conflict before it escalates.
While international agencies provide essential life-saving aid, local NGOs play a different but equally critical role. Embedded in local languages, religious practices, and kinship networks, these organizations act as trusted intermediaries between refugees, host communities, and authorities. Their proximity allows them to address conflict in culturally appropriate and timely ways.
The Power of Local Trust
Based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted between 2022 and 2024, I observed four key ways local NGOs help sustain peace in Cox’s Bazar’s camps.
First, youth engagement initiatives such as peace clubs, sports programs, and informal learning spaces offer young people alternatives to violence. These spaces foster dialogue, cooperation, and a sense of belonging in an environment where frustration and boredom often fuel violence.
Second, community mediation plays a crucial role in resolving everyday disputes. Trained volunteers and respected community members help settle domestic conflicts, inter-household tensions, and minor disagreements quickly and informally, preventing escalation in a context where formal justice mechanisms are largely absent.
Third, gender-sensitive and psychosocial programs address trauma and domestic violence through women’s circles and counseling spaces such as Shanti Adda (“peace conversations”). These initiatives allow women to process loss, build solidarity, and mediate family conflicts, forms of peacebuilding that are often invisible but deeply transformative.
Finally, rumor management is essential in a setting where misinformation can spark panic or violence. Local NGOs rely on trusted community messengers to verify and share accurate information about aid, health emergencies, or security threats, countering fear before it spreads.
Together, these practices form an informal infrastructure of peace one grounded in trust, empathy, and everyday relationships rather than formal institutions.
Breaking the Structural Bottleneck
Despite their vital role, local NGOs face significant constraints. Most rely on short-term, project-based funding that prioritizes quick, measurable outputs over long-term social change. Bureaucratic approval processes and restrictive regulations often limit innovation and autonomy. Operating in a highly controlled political environment, NGOs frequently avoid rights-based language, framing peace work as “education” or “family welfare” to reduce the risk of backlash.
Moreover, although global donors increasingly promote “localization,” local NGOs are often treated as subcontractors rather than equal partners. Their voices remain marginal in decision-making spaces, and their deep contextual knowledge is rarely reflected in program design.
A Path Forward for Sustainable Peace
If the international community is serious about sustaining peace in the Rohingya camps, it must move beyond symbolic inclusion. This means providing flexible, multi-year funding that allows local NGOs to invest in long-term peacebuilding. It requires including local actors in coordination and planning processes, not just implementation. Streamlining bureaucratic approvals and supporting refugee- and host-led initiatives can further strengthen ownership and trust.
Peace in Cox’s Bazar is not a distant dream negotiated in Geneva. It is rebuilt daily in classrooms, kitchens, courtyards, and community centers by people who choose dialogue over violence. Recognizing and supporting these “minor” acts of peace is not optional. It is essential for any durable humanitarian response.
Anicet Kimonyo is a journalist based in Goma, the largest city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)’s eastern region. There, he covers the impact of conflict on civilians, particularly the war between the DRC government and the M23 armed group, and the many recent peace efforts amidst this conflict.
In this interview with Peace News Network (PNN), Anicet discusses what it was like for him to grow up during war, how it impacted his family and his childhood, and how it eventually led him to become a journalist, despite having other plans for his life. He also discusses the realities of reporting on peace amidst violent conflict.
I understand that you are from Goma, DRC, a city impacted by armed conflict between the government and armed groups such as M23. Can you tell me a bit about growing up here?
I was born in 1995 in the Rutshuru territory, 75 kilometres from the city of Goma. In 1997, my family fled to Ishasa, on the border of DRC and Uganda, due to the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (AFDL) war, which was a war of liberation in Congo. The AFDL war and the 1994 Rwandan Genocide were two key events in the upheaval of my childhood.
Many Rwandan refugees were massacred during the AFDL war, and unfortunately, Congolese people and their property were also collateral victims. Back in the 1990s, when my father was a prominent businessman and farmer, the situation created by the Rwandan Genocide and the AFDL war became a tragic turning point, leading to the collapse of his economic and agricultural activities. This marked the transition from a life of privilege to one of modesty, if not outright poverty.
My schooling was disrupted for a year due to the wars and looting in our towns, forcing us to move from one town to another in search of safety and stability.
Anicet Kimonyo, photo provided by Anicet Kimonyo.
The AFDL war came and went, followed by a new rebellion, the Rally of Congolese for Democracy (RCD), in 1998. Then, the AFDL president, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, was assassinated, plunging the country further into chaos. Rebel groups sprang up throughout the country, which was divided into four factions before being reunified through the Sun City Dialogue. This led to a transition period before the first democratic elections in 2006.
The events of this childhood, marked by a mixture of hope and sorrow, continue to this day. We have witnessed the helpless and continuous suffering of a population. We have seen children, young people, and mothers die, constantly displaced, and losing the will to live. We have also witnessed the resilience of populations who, despite suffering and repeated wars, rise from the ashes, believe in their future, and move forward.
What made you first become interested in journalism? Did peace and conflict have any impact on your wanting to become a journalist?
I must be frank: Initially, I didn’t consider becoming a journalist. I wanted to be a major financier of the best holding companies, but time and war, with its consequences, led me down a different path in journalism. The desire to shed light on the daily lives of ordinary citizens, to give citizens a voice to share their experiences, to give victims a voice to recount the consequences of war and the importance of peace.
What draws you to peace journalism, and how has your experience been different from traditional journalism stories? What is it like to report on peace in Goma, DRC? What’s the most challenging thing about reporting on peace there?
Peace journalism, in contrast to traditional journalism, reminds us and empowers each citizen to be an agent of peace wherever they are and in their activities. The consequences of war that we encounter should remind us and others that this must never happen again.
The challenge in this type of reporting is getting victims to speak out, to express their feelings, and also to recount the daily lives of their brothers, mothers, parents, and loved ones while strictly adhering to journalistic ethics and professional standards. The greatest challenge is telling the story of a vicious cycle of a war that seems endless, but whose devastating consequences continue to affect communities.
What has been your favorite story to work on for Peace News?
I would like to continue in journalism with a focus on peace and the environment, but above all, with a particular commitment to investigations that can help bring justice to victims and achieve lasting peace.
Keywords: DRC, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa, journalism, peace journalism, peace, conflict, conflict resolution
Bukavu, the capital of the South Kivu Province in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, photo by Edwin Alden via Wikipedia.
This week, AU calls for united African solution to DRC crisis. Sudanese army reviews new ceasefire proposal from US and Saudi. South Sudan and DRC exchange prisoners in gesture of peace.
AU Calls for United African Solution to DRC Crisis
At a meeting in Lomé, Togo on January 16 and 17, the African Union (AU) called for stronger coordination among African, regional and international peace initiatives, in order to respond to the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
AU Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged an African-led solution to end the crisis, saying “African-led efforts must now take precedence, giving concrete meaning to the principle of African solutions to African problems.”
Youssouf added that dialogues should take into account the legitimate security concerns of Rwanda and Uganda, and support Burundi in managing a growing number of refugees. He noted that despite numerous mediation initiatives, violence continues in Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira.
The meeting reaffirmed support for the Doha process between the DRC government and M23, and concluded with the adoption of a unified mediation framework document and a plan to guide coordinated action. The meeting also renewed a commitment to African follow-up on implementing peace agreements, Oumar Sankare of AA reported.
Sudanese Army Reviews New Ceasefire Proposal from US and Saudi
Sudan’s army is reviewing a new ceasefire proposal from the United States and Saudi Arabia. The country’s Security and Defense council said it was meeting to discuss the proposal on January 21.
This development comes after various efforts by the ‘Quade,’ a group of countries including the US, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, have failed to sustain a long-term ceasefire between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Sudan’s civil war born out of a power struggle between Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) leader Abel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti. The conflict 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.”
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih last week praised Chad for welcoming over 900,000 refugees since Sudan’s civil war broke out. UN News reported on January 16 that Salih had visited Chad to meet with refugees there.
Turk described Chad’s acceptance of Sudanese refugees as “a powerful act of solidarity.”
South Sudan and DRC Exchange Prisoners in Gesture of Peace
South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) conducted a major prisoner exchange following a diplomatic meeting, Chief Bisong Etahoben reported in HumAngle on January 21.
Though the number of prisoners exchanged was not reported, both countries stressed that the meeting was important for security cooperation, the permanent exchange of intelligence between the two countries, and strengthening peace and coexistence.
This development comes amidst a tense security situation at the border of DRC and South Sudan. Many refugees are fleeing atrocities in South Sudan, with over 33,000 South Sudanese refugees having fled to DRC as of August 2025. and some rogue elements of the South Sudanese security forces have disguised themselves as refugees and looted several DRC communities.
Charles Dhata, the South Sudanese commissioner, said, “Today, we have met with your authorities to resolve the situation which is going on between us. We must resolve our differences, we must put in efforts so that we no longer return to situations that have already taken place.”
2025 Peace Journalism Award winners with PJF Director, Gloria Laker Adiiki Aciiro (photo by PJF).
On December 19, 2025, the air in Gulu City, Uganda, carried more than the warmth of the dry season; It carried the weight of history. At the premises of Gulu Women’s Economic Development and Globalization (GWED-G), the Peace Journalism Foundation (PJF) Uganda–East Africa launched the first edition of the Peace Journalism Awards. This initiative is designed to recognize journalism that contributes to peace, social cohesion, and development.
Held under the theme “Celebrating Peace, Progress, and the Power of the Media,” the awards marked a shift in how journalistic excellence is honored. Rather than relying on self-submitted applications, the PJF introduced a bottom-up, community-led nomination model. This approach is grounded in the belief that the grassroots communities—the most affected by journalism— are best placed to assess its value and impact.
The Bottom-Up Model: Why the Grassroots Matter
In traditional journalism awards, recognition is often driven by applications and the submission of selected stories. By contrast, the Peace Journalism Awards rely on community validators and partner organizations, including GWED-G, to identify journalists whose work has made a demonstrable difference in post-conflict contexts such as Northern Uganda. The model is expected to expand to other regions, including Karamoja, Bunyoro, and the Rwenzori sub-region.
Celebrating the Peace Journalism Awards at the Gulu Women’s Economic Development and Globalization (GWED-G).
This approach elevates what might otherwise remain invisible. It recognizes reporters in remote villages who use conflict-sensitive language to defuse tensions over land disputes. It also highlights broadcasters who create space for dialogue where violence might otherwise erupt. Under this model, excellence is measured not by prominence but by verifiable community impact—reduced tensions, informed dialogue, and steps toward reconciliation.
The Pulse of Peace: Mega FM and the Legacy of Gloria Laker
One of the most resonant moments of the ceremony was the Peace Radio Awardpresentation to Mega FM102.2. The award’s significance is rooted in history. During the height of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) conflict, radio played a critical role as a communication bridge. Radio Freedom, established with involvement from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), provided information to displaced communities. It aired messages urging combatants to take advantage of the presidential amnesty. According to publicly acknowledged accounts, these broadcasts contributed to the voluntary return of thousands of former combatants.
Radio Freedom later evolved into Mega FM. Today, under the management of Irene Atek, Mega FM is widely regarded as a platform for dialogue, information sharing, and community engagement in Northern Uganda—illustrating how media can contribute to stabilization and recovery when used responsibly.
Closely linked to this history is the Excellence in Peace Reporting Award, established in honor of Gloria Laker Adiiki Aciro, a 2025 Luxembourg Peace Prize laureate. Laker’s career spans frontline reporting during the LRA conflict to regional mentorship and training, reflecting a transition from conflict coverage to peace-oriented journalism.
Senior Mercy Florence, a Youth Peace activist winner, pose for a photo with, Director PJF Gloria Laker Adiiki Aciro (Photo by Ayebare Cinderella).
The inaugural recipient of this award was Rosemary Anena of Vision Group (Radio Rupiny)—the same station where Laker began her career. Her achievement symbolized an intergenerational and “woman-to-woman” transfer of responsibility. In a region where women’s voices were once marginalized, Anena’s work highlights constructive reporting, community resilience, and inclusive narratives.
The Mediator’s Mic: Talk Shows as Spaces for De-escalation
The awards also recognized the evolving role of talk show hosts in fragile contexts. Otim Steven Acire, popularly known as Palaring of Radio Pacis, was named Talk Show Host of the Year for Northern Uganda. His nomination, submitted by GWED-G, highlighted the importance of mediation skills in live broadcasting.
While conventional journalism emphasizes detachment, the Peace Journalism Foundation underscored that, in high-stakes talk shows, responsible moderation can help prevent escalation. Palaring is recognized for managing tense discussions and ensuring respectful engagement among guests with opposing views. Reflecting on a recent broadcast involving multiple political candidates, he noted that deliberate use of mediation techniques helped maintain calm and constructive dialogue throughout the program.
Following Uganda’s 2026 elections, such conflict-sensitive approaches are increasingly relevant. The PJF’s framework seeks to move the media beyond sensationalism toward peace and development-oriented reporting, emphasizing early identification of conflict triggers and the promotion of non-violent responses.
Empowering the Future: Youth as Peace Actors
Another defining moment of the evening was the recognition of the Youth Peace Activist of the Year. Historically, young people in periods of political tension have often been portrayed as vulnerable to manipulation. The PJF’s decision to center youth in peacebuilding reframed this narrative.
PJF Youth Mercy Florence received an award from the UPDF 4th Division PIO, Capt. David Kamya, Justine Muboka, and Chief Guest, RCC Gulu City, (Photo by Peter Banya).
When Senior Mercy Florence received the award, she emphasized the significance of being recognized in a country where young people constitute the majority of the population. Her acknowledgment sent a message that youth can be agents of social cohesion and constructive engagement. By spotlighting such initiatives, the PJF aims to encourage peaceful participation during the 2026 election cycle and beyond.
Voices from the Ceremony: Media, Responsibility, and Protection
Several speakers used the occasion to reflect on the broader role of media in society. Pamela Angwech, executive director of GWED-G, emphasized that media should be treated as an essential public good rather than a luxury.
“Media should reach all communities, including displaced persons. We should promote peace-oriented and responsible journalism,” she said.
Angwech also highlighted the importance of fair labor practices within media houses and the need to appreciate journalists whose work supports the industry. She stressed that protecting journalists and upholding freedom of expression—within the bounds of the law—is fundamental to an informed society.
Gloria Laker Adiiki Aciro, speaking in her capacity as Director of the Peace Journalism Foundation, urged journalists to prioritize development-focused reporting and to learn from regional history.
“It is us who can create a society, so let us promote peaceful development,” she said, referencing the importance of avoiding post-election violence experienced elsewhere in the region.
Speaking for the security sector, Captain David Kamya, the Fourth Division Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) public information officer, reflected on the human cost of conflict and called for reporting that emphasizes unity and shared responsibility.
“Let us report unity over division, humanity over hatred,” he said, noting that irresponsible reporting can have consequences for entire communities.
Local government also weighed in. Peter Banya, the Gulu City resident city commissioner for Laroo–Pece Division, encouraged journalists to highlight positive developments in the region to balance narratives and support recovery.
The Digital Frontier: Looking Toward 2026 and Beyond
Building on the success of the first edition, the PJF announced plans to expand the awards in 2026 to include Digital and Individual Peacebuilders, such as bloggers and online content creators. As information increasingly circulates across digital platforms, these categories aim to recognize efforts that counter misinformation and promote responsible online discourse.
A Call to Action for a Rising Region
The 2025 Peace Journalism Awards positioned ethical, impact-driven journalism as a cornerstone of sustainable peace. As Gloria Laker noted, supporting peace journalism is an investment in the infrastructure of peace—one that benefits communities, democratic processes, and regional stability. The 2025 laureates included Benson Ongom (Journalist of the Year), Dennis Ojwee (Lifetime Achievement Award), and Otim Steven Acire (Talk Show Host of the Year). They represent a media landscape that prioritizes responsibility over sensationalism. Their recognition affirms a growing consensus: When journalism chooses peace, society as a whole is strengthened.
