Darfur Ex-Combatants Opt For Voluntary Discharge

Darfur Ex-Combatants Opt For Voluntary Discharge Backed By UN-African Mission

New York, Jul 4 2010 8:10PM
More than 800 former combatants in the conflict in Sudan's western region of Darfur are expected to take part in a three-week voluntary discharge exercise that began today, with the support of the joint African Union-United Nations peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID).

The exercise started in the city of El Geneina, West Darfur, UNAMID said in a statement.

While the voluntary discharge of combatants from armed groups is part of the Government of Sudan's disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programme, UNAMID is assisting by providing logistical support, including security, transport, HIV/AIDS counselling and health screening.

The programme, established under the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA), largely provides financial assistance and other incentives to former combatants who volunteer to be discharged. Th
e Government is providing an initial cash payment to each participant, which will be followed by other benefits.

It is the third exercise of its kind in the region. The first one was carried out in El Fasher, North Darfur, in November 2009 and resulted in more than 300 former combatants taking part, while a the second, held in Nyala, South Darfur, saw approximately 1,100 former fighters opt out of armed groups.

The programme will be implemented in other parts of Darfur, targeting a total of 5,000 former combatants affiliated with signatories to the DPA who were disarmed in July 2008 when they formally surrendered their weapons to the Government.

UNAMID said it will continue to support efforts to strengthen the peace process and improve overall security across Darfur.

ENDS

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