The international term for the work of disarming, demobilizing and reintegrating soldiers into society is DDR. Over the years, Sweden has participated in DDR efforts in several vulnerable areas, including Darfur, Somalia and Rwanda, and therefore has extensive knowledge of these issues.
Molly Sundberg, who is a programme officer within Peace and Security at Sida’s office in the Rwandan capital Kigali, says:
“DDR efforts are extremely important in conflict and post-conflict countries in ensuring sustainable peace. If there are a lot of weapons and many soldiers, it increases the risk of new conflicts breaking out.
“It is particularly important to focus on reintegration so that former combatants get a genuine chance to create a reasonable life for themselves.”
In Rwanda, Sida is supporting a DDR programme aimed at armed groups of Rwandans in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and at soldiers in the regular army.
“Some of the combatants in DR Congo have been soldiers for many years, others have recently been recruited,” Sundberg says. “We also meet children who have been forced to become soldiers.”
The first step regarding the Rwandan soldiers in DR Congo is to disarm them and return them to Rwanda. This work is performed by UN forces and is not included in Sida’s support.
Sida’s contribution begins during the next stage, when the former soldiers arrive at a demobilization camp, where they remain for a few weeks. Here they learn about how Rwandan society works today.
“These people have often lived in isolation and have not been part of the democratic developments in Rwanda that have happened in recent years,” Sundberg says. “They also receive help in getting in touch with their families and other relatives.”
After their education in the camp, the demobilized soldiers receive support so that they can live in a local municipality and return to society, financial assistance, and help in applying for jobs or getting onto an educational programme. People regarded as particularly vulnerable, such as female soldiers and handicapped people, receive additional support.
Reconciliation efforts important
Efforts to achieve reconciliation are also included in the programme. This could include supporting dialogue with the local population, civilians and authorities where the demobilized soldiers settle about what is required for them all to move forward after the genocide and to live together and to become reconciled to past events.
Some of those participating in the programme were involved in the brutal genocide in Rwanda in 1994 before moving to DR Congo. If there are suspicions about genocide-related crimes, the police service and public prosecution authorities are brought in.
The programme in Rwanda is financed through a Multi Donor Trust Fund, which is managed by World Bank. Besides Sweden, donors include Germany, the Netherlands, and the World Bank’s development body, the International Development Association (IDA). Sida’s contribution amounts to SEK 30 million between 2009 and 2012. About 9,500 people are expected to complete the programme.
Molly Sundberg is an anthropologist. Her current position is designed for young people with a background in development work who want to try working for Sida in the field.
“The work here is extremely interesting,” she says. “And now that it’s relatively calm and safe in Rwanda, I can also go out in the evenings alone. A lot of positive things have happened here.”
