MDRP - Multi-Country Demobilization & Reintegration Program

The Multi-Country Demobilization and Reintegration Program (MDRP) was designed to provide support and coordination in the area of Demobilization and Reintegration (D&R) to countries directly affected by, or involved in, the regional conflict centered around the DRC.

Seven countries receive active support under the MDRP: Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. MDRP support will also be extended to Namibia and Zimbabwe if and when appropriate.

An estimated 455,000 ex-combatants will benefit from the MDRP (see table below).

Note: The demobilization phase may not be necessary for all countries. A significant number of combatants have already been demobilized in Congo-Brazzaville and Rwanda. In the DRC, community militias may not require formal demobilization.

Criteria for the identification of combatant status can include self-identification, proven affiliation with a known armed group, and/or proof of military ability, such as weapons handling. Especially for special projects involving irregular forces, particular attention needs to be paid to avoiding the creation of perverse incentives (i.e., individuals or groups arming themselves in order to subsequently benefit from a program of demobilization). Specific criteria will be elaborated for each national program and special project and be rigorously and systematically applied.

A non-transferable identification system and a beneficiary database will be established for each national program and special project so as to avoid the risk of ex-combatants benefiting from multiple D&R activities.