Military Reform – 2009

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Military Reform – 2009

2009

Minimum Implementation Minimal implementation

The Special Committee met for the first time on 16 January 2009. The Committee is comprised of two representatives from the UCPN-M, UML, MPRF and NC. The committee adopted its terms of reference on 5 February. These terms elaborated the committee’s responsibilities, which included compiling a list of soldiers wishing to be integrated into the army or rehabilitated. The Special Committee established the Technical Committee on 27 March. It was responsible for providing technical support and assisting the Special Committee.1 Later, the Maoist government, made the controversial decision to dismiss the Chief of Army Staff, General Rookmangud Katawal. However, President Ram Baran Yadav intervened and reversed the Cabinet’s decision. This reversal prompted Prime Minister Dahal’s resignation on 4 May 2009.2 This resignation led to political uncertainty, which delayed the work of the Special Committee and the Technical Committee.3 Under the direction of the CPN-UML leader, Madhav Kumar Nepal, a coalition government of 21 parties formed on 23 May 2009.4 After many discussions over its composition, the Special Committee was reactivated and met on 1 September 2009. The mandate of the Technical Committee was also extended by three months.5

The Special Committee and the Technical Committee began functioning after remaining inactive for months. However, integration of the Maoist combatants did not occur. After the appointment of a new COAS Chatra Man Gurung as per the Cabinet decision on 9 September 2009, the democratization or civilian control of the NA could be deemed settled. The NA worked in concordance with the cabinet decisions.

  1. “Secretary General’s Report to the Security Council,” United Nations (S/2009/221), April 24, 2009.
  2. “Nepal’s Peace Process at the Crossroads,” Conflict Study Center (Situation Update 83), May 10, 2009.
  3. “Secretary General’s Report to the Security Council,” United Nations (S/2009/351), July 13, 2009.
  4. “Secretary General’s Report to the Security Council,” United Nations S(/2009/351), July 13, 2009.
  5. “Secretary General’s Report to the Security Council,” United Nations (S/2009/553), October 26, 2009.