Philippines: Clans need including in peace process

On 14 April 2020, International Crisis Group (ICG) published an extensive report about clan politics in the Southern Philippines. The report emphasizes that the 2022 elections may prove meaningless, if inter-clan feuding and "clan-linked patronage networks" jeopardize the creation of an institutional framework for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Thomas Muller, Persecution analyst at World Watch Research, comments: "Coming a year after the inauguration of the Muslim majority autonomous region, the report is a timely reminder that not just religious issues, but also clans and their affiliations have to be taken into account if BARMM is to succeed with parliamentary elections marking the end of the peace process which began in 2014. At the same time, the report is also a good reminder of the situation of the Christian minorities in the region. They need to navigate their lives not only in religious aspects, but are also affected by clan tensions and their armed confrontations. It remains to be seen how the status of Christians and other minorities in BARMM will look on paper and in practice. But, as ICG emphasizes, despite all challenges, this is clearly the most promising opportunity so far for forging durable peace and regional stability in Muslim Mindanao."