Successful programmes for the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) of former combatants are essential for sustainable peace and development. There are a variety of specific instruments and approaches that can support DDR programmes when adapted to the implementation conditions of particular countries. This training book aims to support effective planning by providing a comprehensive overview of all aspects of DDR operations. It is a product of the partnership between the Swedish National Defence College (SNDC), the Norwegian Defence International Centre (FOKIV), the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre (PPC), and the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ).
DDR is part of the peace process and an essential confidence-building measure. Implementation of DDR programmes should begin whilst peace negotiations are still going on. Addressing the security concerns of all parties, particularly in the context of weapons proliferation, helping ensure human security and providing opportunities for income generation are all central to the process.
The primary components of DDR programmes are defined as follows:
- Demobilisation involves reducing or completely disbanding armed forces or groups. The fundamental steps are planning, encampment, registration, disarmament, pre-discharge orientation and final discharge. Targets for demobilisation comprise all men, women and children who are members of regular or irregular armed groups. This is not limited solely to those who carry arms.
- Disarmament is integral to demobilisation given that ex-combatants part with weapons that were central to their military life and identity. It involves weapons survey, collection, storage, destruction and reutilisation.
- Reintegration is a long-term social and economic process by which ex-combatants acquire civilian status, access to work and an income. Related projects target disadvantaged regions and groups. Reintegration initiatives require formulation of a national policy, support for regional implementation agencies, local level emergency aid, transport to settlement regions, discharge payments, reinsertion packages, (re)construction projects and vocational training.
Political power-sharing by all parties to the conflict and their participation in peace negotiations from the earliest possible stage ensures that the interests of ex-combatants are known and respected. Comprehensive DDR planning is essential, as is coordination of chronologically overlapping projects:
- Early planning of demobilisation enables early intervention, which in some countries is necessary to keep fragile peace processes alive. Unless a secure environment is achieved, DDR programmes are not sustainable.
- Civil-military cooperation is essential for success, particularly during demobilisation and disarmament when military input is vital. It is likely that combatants will have more mutual understanding and confidence in military personnel during demobilisation activities.
- From an initial focus on the individual needs of ex-combatants, the process must shift towards a community-oriented perspective, making ex-combatants part of society.
- DDR programmes are an important link in the humanitarian relief-to-development continuum. Planning requires flexibility, and sensitivity to political change, time pressures and security conditions.
- Coordination between humanitarian aid and development agencies improves efficiency and increases local communities’ confidence in and support for programmes.
- Formulation of specific DDR monitoring and evaluation systems, especially in the reintegration phase, is crucial in devising better DDR programmes for the future.
