Sudan demobilizes 5,600 ex-combatant in Blue Nile

August 12, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – About 5,600 ex-combatants were processed in the first phase of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) scheme in Blue Nile state, two days ago.

Up to 180,000 former fighters from the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), Popular Defence Forces (PDF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) will be demobilized, in accordance with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in January 2005.

The DDR commissions have agreed to jointly process caseloads in Blue Nile, Southern Kordofan and Abyei, before expanding to other areas under the 2005 peace agreement.

The first stages target mostly those with special needs, including the old and infirm, as well as women and children associated with armed forces or groups.

The initiative seeks to ensure that demobilized combatants are properly reintegrated into civilian life, receiving packages including livestock and vocational training. Monitoring is also a crucial component to prevent former fighters from sliding back into violence.

The multi-year scheme is being led jointly by the North and South Sudan DDR commissions, with financial and technical support from the UN.

But UNMIS pointed out that funding continues to be a major challenge. Some $430 million is required over three years, but only $88 million was pledged at the last donor conference held in Juba earlier this year.

(ST)