- This report provides an update of activities
carried out under the Multi-Country Demobilization and Reintegration Program
(MDRP) since the time of the previous quarterly progress report (July to
September 2004). The report is organized by the four main components of
the MDRP, namely: (i) national demobilization and reintegration programs;
(ii) special projects; (iii) regional activities; and (iv) overall program
management. The box below provides a snapshot of the quarter's main activities
under the program. Tables providing updates on the status of national programs
and special projects, an unaudited financial statement of the MDRP Trust
Fund, and a revised work plan for the period January-March 2005, are also
included as annexes to this report.
MDRP activities at a glance - October-December 2004
Country activities
Angola has increased support for reintegration activities with the signing of 21 sub-project contracts targeting approximately 20,000 former UNITA ex-combatants, has initiated discussions with the armed forces regarding the demobilization of about 33,000 soldiers, and is expanding planning of reintegration support for disabled and other vulnerable groups with support, in part, from the EC.
In Burundi, the demobilization process was launched on December 2, 2004, by President Ndayizeye and SRSG McAskie. By the end of December, 1,682 adult ex-combatants had been demobilized in a process marked by excellent cooperation among all parties concerned. In addition, the demobilization of all 618 child soldiers present in the assembly areas was completed by the national child soldier demobilization and reintegration structure, with the support of UNICEF.
In CAR, USD 3.3 million was disbursed to UNDP, allowing for the hiring of program staff and undertaking of necessary preparations ahead of program implementation. Government established a National DDR Commission. The program was formally launched in December.
The Democratic Republic of Congo received a first disbursement of the IDA grant in the amount of USD5.4 million to procure the necessary goods and services to prepare selected sites for demobilization activities. These efforts are being undertaken in close coordination with the planning for the military integration process.
The Republic of Congo national DDR program is being finalized for partner review for proposed MDRP Trust Fund financing.
In Rwanda, the World Bank completed a mid- term review of the RDRP. While the implementation experience to date was considered satisfactory, the mission found that the ultimate peace-building success of the Program will depend upon a significant increase in the disarmament and repatriation of members of Rwandese armed groups.
In Uganda, the Amnesty Commission has advanced preparations for implementation of special project activities, with the elaboration of an action plan for the provision of reinsertion packages to the Lord's Resistance Army combatants voluntarily leaving the Northern rebellion.
Regional Activities
The Secretariat initiated the gathering of data on combatants on foreign soils, following one of the recommendations of the Joint Supervision Mission. The results of the initiative will inform discussions on the systematic treatment of this issue in the context of MDRP.
Program Administration
The Secretariat facilitated the conduct of the third annual joint supervision mission and of an external mid-term evaluation of the Program by a team of independent consultants.
Disbursements
MDRP Trust Fund Disbursements total USD39 million with USD16 million disbursed during the quarter under review. Of this, USD5.9 million went to national programs while USD8.9 went to special projects. IDA disbursed USD 9.3 million of its own resources for national DDR programs in MDRP countries during this period.
(pdf* format - 108 KB)
Source: World Bank
Country: Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda
