Demobilisation of former combatants begins in North Darfur

12 Nov 2014

Demobilisation of former combatants begins in North Darfur

El Fasher, 12 November 2014: On 12 November 2014, the Sudan Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (SDDRC) marked the official launch of the demobilisation exercise for members of the Justice and Equality Movement-Sudan as well as the signatories to the Darfur Peace Agreement. The exercise, which began on 2 November, is a month-long exercise for more than 500 ex-combatants from JEM-Sudan and 200 former combatants from SLA-Mustafa Terab, SLA-Mother Wing and JEM-Peace Wing--who were yet to undergo the demobilisation process.

The process began with a briefing regarding the reintegration procedure, verification of administrative documents, a medical screening and the provision of identification cards. The participants are also given a cash payment in local currency as well as food rations for three months.

The occasion was attended by State Minster in the Presidency, Fadul Abdallah Fadul, the Head of the Darfur Unit, General (Rtd) Abdallah Mohammed Abdul, UNAMID Deputy Force Commander, Major General Balla Keita, the Deputy Wali, Adam Mohammed Hamid Nahla and the Qatari Ambassador. The event was also attended by senior representative from the Government of Sudan, UNAMID and UNDP.

In his remarks, UNAMID Deputy Force Commander, Major General Keita, expressed appreciation for the Government of Sudan, the State of Qatar and the leadership of JEM-Sudan for their combined efforts toward achieving this important milestone. He reaffirmed the Mission’s continued commitment in providing support to the signatories of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) and the implementation of the final security arrangements in line with the DDPD.

“This is a significant milestone achieved through close collaboration between the DDPD signatory parties supported by UNAMID and the UN agencies. By working together, we have been able to make valuable progress in the implementation of the DDPD, and we continue to strive for bringing lasting peace and stability in Darfur. We hope that the ongoing demobilisation exercise will serve as a key driver for ongoing mediation efforts,” he said.

The Deputy Wali of North Darfur, Mr. Adam Nahla, noted that the ongoing conflict has damaged the social fabric of Darfur and called on the ex-combatants to fight tribalism and racism within their communities.

On his part, the Qatari Ambassador, Mr. Rashid Al-Noaymii, expressed his government’s commitment to the cause of sustainable peace in Darfur as well as to the implementation of ongoing projects in the region.

The disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) programme is part of the final security arrangements included in the DDPD agreement which was signed by Liberation and Justice Movement and the Government of Sudan in 2011.