UNAMID Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Section, Sector West in collaboration with World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Sudan DDR Commission (SDDRC), launched in El Geneina, West Darfur, the demobilisation of 1500 former combatants from the signatory movements to the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) and the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA).

In addition, UNAMID provided logistical support to about 300 former combatants demobilised from the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Popular Defense Forces (PDF).

The Head of UNAMID DDR Section, Sector West, Mr. Islika Sesay, explained that the implementation of the DDR process is part of the final security arrangements of the DDPD and DPA and noted that UNAMID will provide technical, logistical and financial support for the successful implementation of the Demobilization process. “This demobilization process is implemented under the leadership of the Sudan DDR Commission based on the principles of national ownership,” Stated Mr. Islika. He added that UNAMID logistical support included the provision of tents, electricity, water, stationary, security and transportation. The Mission will also pay 1,500 Sudanese Pounds to each former combatant as part of the re-integration package meant to take care of the combatant’s immediate needs. WFP will provide 150 kilograms of sorghum, additionally UNDP will offer entrepreneurial skills training and provide startup grants to each former combatant to ease their re-integration process. 

The Head of Sudan DDR Commission in West Darfur, Mr. Eissa Adam Baraka, commended support provided by UNAMID, particularly the DDR Section, to the demobilization process. 

The Commander of the 3rd Demobilization Camp, west Darfur state, Captain Jamaleldin Mohammed Abdullah, stated that about 1800 former combatants, including 175 women, from signatory movements to the DDPD and DPA, SAF and PDF will be targeted in this demobilization process. 

A former combatant from the Justice & Equality Movement- Peace wing Mr. Abdulsalam Ismael Adam stated that peace which their movement has chosen to follow to alleviate the suffering of the people of Darfur and engage in the development process. He urged other combatants to support the peace efforts in the region: “I would like to seize this opportunity to call upon our brothers in the non-signatory movements to put their arms down and join the peace process and to contribute in the development of our country”.