The end of the beginning...

The announcement of an agreement between the Government and the MILF last week is a significant moment for the Philippines. The UK’s contribution as a member of the International Contact Group has given us an insight into the agreement. It’s clear it could be one of the most important developments in recent times and, if implemented fully, a fitting legacy for all involved. It reminds me of the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, which ended more than three decades of violent conflict in Northern Ireland. At the time of signing, former Prime Minister Tony Blair said he felt the hand of history upon his shoulders. Perhaps that hand has now moved to Philippine shores.

Yet nobody should be under any illusions about the difficult road ahead. As we heard this from President Aquino last Sunday, “The work does not end here. Promises must be kept, institutions must be fixed, and new capacities must be built...” The words of another British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, seem appropriate. “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” The reality, as we learnt in Northern Ireland, is that patience, trust, and immense hard work is required to achieve everything a peace agreement promises. Following the Good Friday Agreement, a new Northern Ireland Assembly was established to run the province’s domestic affairs with a real degree of autonomy from London. The very sensitive issue of how to disarm paramilitary groups and decommission weapons started, followed by an overhaul of the policing structure.

This did not all happen immediately or at the same pace. At times, the process stalled as difficulties between the communities re-emerged. Decommissioning was a particularly difficult and long process. However, helped by independent monitors, progress was made and full devolution of power has been in place since 2007.

Although progress was slow at times, the direction of travel has been clear throughout. The peace process and devolved government is strongly supported by the two communities in Northern Ireland that used to be at war: the Unionist community which supports continued union with the rest of the United Kingdom, and the Nationalist community which favours a united Ireland. The Unionist First Minister of Northern Ireland shares power with a Nationalist Deputy First Minister. The economic gains are also very visible, with Northern Ireland having benefited from a “peace dividend.” In the past 20 years economic growth in Northern Ireland was above that of other parts of the UK. During that period unemployment was reduced and tourism and confidence came back.

There are still challenges in Northern Ireland. Isolated extremists engage in occasional violence. But they enjoy no popular support. They are still trapped in the past, while the overwhelming majority are building themselves a peaceful and prosperous future. In Mindanao, expect a few isolated people also to keep looking back; and expect some upsets and obstacles along the way. Peace will be built not in days, not even in months, but through a lot of hard work and commitment over the next few years. The UK congratulates both parties on this significant step towards ending a long-running conflict and beginning a more stable and prosperous future for Mindanao. 

(Stephen Lillie is British Ambassador to the Philippines)