Conflict and security

Tackling a crisis: effective DDR for the Democratic Republic of Congo

A. Vitale / Panos Pictures

Despite a peace agreement being reached, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is still racked by violence. Militias continue to employ extreme violence in the region; whilst ill-disciplined and corrupt government DRC forces abuse the local populace at will. To address such chronic instability there are continual attempts at Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) of the local militias. This paper seeks to explore methods and processes which not only can help effect DDR but reform the national army.

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