22 November 2009 - More than 150 ex-combatants took part today in the first of a three-day demobilization and reintegration programme sponsored by the Government of Sudan and supported by UNAMID.

The wheels for the initiative were set in motion in the summer of 2008, when signatories, comprising leaders from rebel movements, agreed to hand over their weapons.

The programme is composed of several components including briefings on reintegration, verification of administrative documents, medical and disability screening, fingerprinting, and the issuance of identification cards. Participants are given a cash payment of 400 Sudanese Pounds ($150 USD). After two months, the participants will be issued food vouchers and other basic amenities.

In all, more than 400 ex-combatants from North Darfur are to be eventually demobilized in El Fasher. Two additional demobilization and reintegration events are scheduled for West and South Darfur shortly. 

The disarmament demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programme is part of the Final Security Arrangement of the Darfur Peace Agreement.