Swords into ploughshares: Disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration in Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa

This paper explores the processes in the peace agreement and transitional arrangements from 2003 and 2005

Defence integration in the Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been fraught with so many problems. This paper explores the processes in the peace agreement and transitional arrangements from 2003 and 2005. It seeks to put into perspective the challenges faced thus far and argues in favour of a long term approach to defence transformation as opposed to short term political considerations. It also laments the slow progress and urges stakeholders involved to move as quickly as possible and without delay in order to reap the benefits of peace before the winds of change die out.

About the author

Gwinyayi Albert Dzinesa is a doctoral fellow at the Centre for Africa’s International Relations, University of the Witwatersrand. This article draws from his doctoral research: “Disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration, repatriation and resettlement (DDRRR) in Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa”, conducted under the supervision of Professor John Stremlau.