Which programmes can assist states undergoing the transition from war to peace? How can external assistance support this process? For the past three decades, internal strife has wrought havoc on civil society and economic potential throughout much of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Demilitarisation is a precondition for reviving civil society, reducing poverty and sustaining development in the many SSA countries now undergoing the transition from war to peace.
This report explores the way in which demobilisation and reintegration programmes (DRPs) for ex-combatants are central to this transition. DRPs have three interwoven technical phases: demobilisation, including disarmament and discharge; reinsertion, including resettlement; and reintegration. They assist a vulnerable, potentially volatile group, and rebuild foundations for economic growth.
The World Bank has supported DRPs in several SSA countries. Drawing on this experience, the report outlines key requirements for DRPs, using case studies from Ethiopia, Namibia and Uganda. It also discusses how donors can support states moving from war to peace.
Components of successful DRPs include the classification of ex-combatants according to their characteristics, needs and aspirations, and the provision of basic transitional assistance packages. Counselling, training, and social support are also provided. Communities are sensitised and existing social capital is strengthened. Other key factors include:
- Targeting: A non- transferable, non-corruptible identification system is essential, as are targeted interventions for female, child and disabled ex-combatants.
- Demobilisation: Ex-combatants should be discharged rapidly, before becoming a security threat.
- Reinsertion: Assistance packages should help ex-combatants and their families to bridge the period between demobilisation and reintegration. Financial assistance packages can be more effective than in-kind provision.
- Reintegration: Support to ex- combatants should enable them to attain the standard of living of the communities into which they reintegrate. Community support programmes providing visible benefits are essential accompaniments to assistance for ex-combatants.
- Strengthening social capital: This enables communities to take control of development and facilitates the reintegration of ex-combatants. Informal networks of ex-combatants are crucial to successful economic and social reintegration.
- Management: Successful DRPs minimise administrative costs while maximising benefits, are centrally coordinated yet decentralised in implementation, and are linked to ongoing development efforts.
DRPs are part of a continuous process of transition from war to peace.
- To enable sustained development, the sale of small arms to SSA must be reduced.
- Post-conflict reconciliation is essential. Demobilisation and reintegration issues should be addressed at the early stages of any peace process.
- Donors can ensure that resources for DRPs are provided in a timely manner, and support capacity building among government, NGOs, community- based groups and donors. Coordination of donor support by a lead donor has proved effective.
- Donors can promote a secure, stable environment for development. They can encourage the reallocation of public expenditure from defence to development, finance physical reconstruction, and support the revitalisation of civil society.
- Revitalising civil society involves the promotion of local associations, community participation, and peer accountability, enabling collective condemnation of violence and strengthening of local security.
