Atlantic Council

Programmes for the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) of former combatants have become an integral part of peacekeeping operations and post-conflict reconstruction plans. There is hardly any UN peacekeeping mission that is not confronted with aspects of DDR programmes. A number of countries have also implemented demobilisation programmes as part of a national security sector reform or force reduction. DDR programmes constitute a vital link between military and civilian aspects of peace operations.

The success of such programmes is essential for sustainable peace and development. Today a wide range of different organisations are involved in the planning and implementation of specific aspects of DDR programmes. There are military and civilian tasks. In most countries no organisation or mandate covers the entire range from disarmament of soldiers and armed civilians to the reintegration of war-affected groups. And at the same time decision-makers in national demobilisation commissions, foreign ministries and peacekeeping contingents have to ensure consistency in planning, financing and delivery of such programmes.

This book is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of all aspects of DDR operations. It is a training book for upper and middle management staff in specialised
organisations that are involved in DDR programmes. This is not an academic book on peacekeeping or on development projects. This book brings together know-how from very different professional fields and explains solutions to common problems in DDR programmes. The authors of this book all have a long background in DDR operations in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Balkans. They have served both in military as well as civilian capacities, in UN peacekeeping operations and development programmes. As programme managers and trainers they are involved in the planning of specific projects and the preparation of professional staff. This practical field and classroom guide has been developed and tested in numerous staff training courses before, during and after DDR
operations.

This has been made possible by the unique partnership between military academies, a peacekeeping training centre and a development organisation. The Swedish National Defence College (SNDC), the Norwegian Defence International Centre (FOKIV), the Canadian Pearson Peacekeeping Centre (PPC) and the German Technical Co-operation (GTZ) have established a close network for training and advisory services in the field of DDR programmes. All partners have adopted this manual as a training tool and guideline for project planning.