No developments observed this year.

No developments observed this year.

Rwanda’s overall DDR process proceeded in two different phases. In the first phase, which began in September 1997 and lasted until February 2001, 18,692 soldiers from the Rwandan army (RPA) – 2,364 of whom were child soldiers and 15,000 of whom were former members of Former Rwandan Armed Force – were demobilized.¹

The state’s first reintegration program was reportedly not successful. According to the Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission, only a small proportion of disabled ex-combatants received any kind of medical rehabilitation, no reintegration benefits were available for the 15,000 ex-FAR combatants who were demobilized. Demobilized RPA combatants received some reintegration support.²

There were no active reintegration programs this year.

There were no active reintegration programs this year.

There were no active reintegration programs this year.

There were no active reintegration programs this year.

The DDR program continued until 2008.

Postscript: It was reported that Rwanda destroyed 6,000 small arms in late 2004.³

The second phase of demobilization started in December 2001 and ended in December 2008. In this phase, a total of 20,000 ex-combatants from RPA/RDF and 12,500 members of other armed groups were expected to be demobilized. By the end of March 2008, 22,362 RDF were demobilized, thereby exceeding the target number. Another 6,397 ex-combatants from other armed groups including 661 child combatants were demobilized.⁴ Those mobilized received insertion benefits and reintegration allowances. Turning in arms was part of the DDR processes, but many produced no weapon. No estimates were given on the specific number of weapons turned in by troops.

The DDR program continued until 2001. The Rwandan government sought the disarmament of Hutu militias who remained in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.⁵