Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 01/2013

A Diplomatic Milestone for Mindanao?

Jennifer M. Keister

December 2012

United States Institute of Peace

Abstract

A recent framework agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaves much yet to do in building peace in Mindanao, but does offer an opportunity for careful progress. Many of the problems that have plagued previous agreements in Mindanao’s 40-year conflict still exist. The international community has an opportunity to support progress and avoid a repeat of previous agreements’ disappointments. Careful foreign aid policies that empower locals and do not foster competition can be critical in building peace in Mindanao.