Demobilization, Disarmament, and Reintegration and Broader Post-Conflict Policy-Making

Abstract

The research focuses on DDR and broader post-conflict policy-making. For the process to attract compliance it is indispensible to look at the larger picture. International assistance and mechanisms play a significant role especially with regard to protracted conflicts where there is immense trust deficit and several parties to the conflict. DDR minimally consists of: Disarmament, defined as ‘the collection, control, and disposal of small arms, ammunition, explosives and light and heavy weapons of combatants and often also of the civilian population’; Demobilization, which is ‘the process by which armed forces (government and/or opposition or factional forces) either downsize or completely disband’; and Reintegration programmes, which are ‘assistance measures provided to former combatants that would increase the potential for their and their families’ economic and social reintegration into civil society’. There is the need for an additional R - Rehabilitation. This was included in the Liberian programme. Though it is not as well defined, and refers primarily to psycho-social and related services, its importance cannot be discounted. While disarmament and demobilization are primarily seen through a security lens; reintegration is often represented as a development imperative. My hypothesis would suggest delinking disarmament and demobilization from reintegration. Thus a clear division of tasks would be essential with specialized bodies taking up reintegration for combatants and non-combatants. During the formulation of these three stages it is also necessary to build special programmes for mid level commanders and female combatants. Further the involvement of women at all these stages would also help with compliance and reducing the trust deficit. However, it must be noted that a straight jacket formula where one size fits all cannot be the approach. The peace agreements/disarmament agreements would be the basis for innovation. Having a third party guarantor might be of relevance in certain contexts. Finding a common goal among parties would be the key to global diplomacy. There must be an integration of national elements that could also help facilitate the process. Apart from a mapping, where local involvement is important, programmes of sensitisation and awareness in order to ensure misinformation and false promises are not perpetuated must be undertaken. Some of the obstacles that have arisen time and again are unconscious creation of a market for ex combatants and reinforcement of existing corrupt practices and power dynamics. These must be avoided by setting up of a monitoring committee. While the international mechanisms must separate security and development goals these must work in tandem. Each context would require an independent analysis to decide what level of international assistance would be beneficial. With regard to the disarmament and demobilization (DD the implementation environment; the capability and resources of the international implementers: the attitudes of the warring parties; and effective verification. In my research, I would like to highlight: • the importance of the peace agreement/disarmament agreement and the role the international community can play in ensuring that it has an in-built flexibility to change, modify and adapt in order to achieve realistic goals; • the increasing role of business entities in security and harnessing their capacities to help with compliance of the DD • awareness of the process; sensitization a tool to winning trust and satisfaction of the people as the means to improving compliance; • availability of alternatives to rearming and finding a commonality of goals; and • role of women in compliance mechanisms. Implementation of peace is a complicated process. There can be no standard model for this. There must also be consideration of complete disarmament vs. socio-cultural justification of arms. Demobilization has to work in tandem with providing re-integration and a follow up via rehabilitation. One of the stumbling blocks is a trust deficit in the process. For this purpose verification is essential to check on implementation and must be incorporated in the agreement. Hence the agreement needs to be innovative and flexible. It’s the basis for what is to follow.