Identifying Lessons from DDR Experiences in Africa: Workshop Report

This report attempts to provide an accurate reflection of discussions during a DDR strategic workshop.

This report attempts to provide an accurate reflection of the discussion during the workshop of the need for DDR and the effective coordination of DDR efforts with other strategies aimed at assisting war-affected countries in their process of national recovery. Where general agreement among participants was clear on key areas these are noted, as are areas where there was not, perhaps, wide agreement but a strong recognition that further information and analysis are required.

The content from presentations and the outcomes of the discussion sessions are presented under the following six thematic areas

• Trends in DDR in peacekeeping in Africa
• Planning and coordination in DDR programmes
• Disarmament and demobilization
• Reintegration
• Working with special groups
• Multi-actor coordination

The report aims to make a contribution to bridging the already narrowing gap between needs and realities in DDR and concludes with a few specific recommendations. 

Edited by Sarah Meek and Mark Malan