Conflict and Development of the Bangsamoro II

It should be noted that there are other drivers of conflict in the BAngsamoro area, which take the form of inter-communal (between political and ethno-linguistic groups) and inter-elite (rido, contest over political posts and control over resources) violence. While distinct, these horizontal conflicts are often closely related to the vertical conflict and both spill over into the other. The prevalence of the shadow economy, or "non-conformist economic activities"(International Alert) such as the illicit weapons and drug trade, kidnap-for-ransom activities, informal credit and land markets, and cross border trade, also drives conflict as it intersects with the prevalence of warlordism and clan based violence in the Bangsamoro, Economic rents from the shadow economy are used to consolidate political influence and patronage, reinforcing overall insecurity and further undermining weak institutions.

Injustice and insecurity are central to the development story in the Bangasamoro. Development alone can address neither the historical grievance of the Bangsamoro nor the insecurity  that affects large parts of the Bangsamoro territories. But development  can play a part in supporting the political and security transition that will play out over the coming period. Accordingly the Bangsamoro Development Plan is a peace-building plan that analyzes and addresses development issues through a conflict lens. It is driven by a strong intention to address injustice and directly tackle sources  of discontent  that drive conflict. In practical terms this means that in the short-term the Plan recommeds actions and interventions that will promote stabilization and strengthen the legitimacy of the new Bangsamoro government. The also recognizes that how development is implemented in the Bangsamoro matters as much as how much money is spent. Based on the principles described in the next section, the BDP promotes distribution of resources based on need and equity, to ensure fair and equal access to development ooportunities for all living in the Bangsamoro. Particular attention will be provided to groups who have been marginalized from decision-making structures, including indigenous Peoples and women, and those easily enticed into violence, particularly youth. The plan prioritizes development approaches that are people-centered and bring communities together for joint planning and decision-making, as these are proven to build necessary social cohesion.

Courtesy: Dr. Abubakar (The Bangsamoro Development Framework)