Reconciliation and Unification of Political Fronts for Comprehensive Peace in Mindanao

The project aims to support the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in exploring ways to reconcile its factions in order for them to better pursue peace in Mindanao. Peace processes between the Philippine Government and the two Moro fronts (the MNLF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front) have been marked with violence delays and failures in implementation of final peace agreements. Nevertheless there is a renewed push to find a solution to the violence in Mindanao as well as a growing call for a more participatory peace process and a more inclusive Bangsamoro law. The project seeks to provide support to MNLF leaders and key members to carry out consultations and other activities that promote healing reconciliation and unification in order to reach an agreement for a comprehensive and lasting peace. Project activities include support for confidential sessions summit meetings exploratory dialogue and other similar activities among influential members of the Misuari and Sema groups (political groups within the MNLF). These discussions are focused on points of agreement between the two factions as well as possible ways to bridge differences and grievances between them.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved cohesion within the MNLF that increases its engagement with diverse elements of its community including women’s groups; (2) increased understanding among the leaders and members of MNLF of problems of factionalism and potential routes to reconciliation; and (3) improved understanding by women and excluded groups on how to advocate their agenda with the MNLF.