DDR Commission Engages and Sensitizes SSPDF Leadership on Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration

June 8, 2021

SSPDF leadership receive the DDR Commission Chairperson at the Military Headquarters in the Bilpam Barracks in Juba on 1 June 2021.

JUBA—The Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Commission conducted sensitization sessions with leadership of South Sudan Peoples Defence Forces (SSPDF) at the Military Headquarters in the Bilpam Barracks in Juba on 1 June 2021. Supported by the Government of Japan through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the main objective of the event was to conduct community-based DDR sensitization with the military heads.

Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) takes a holistic approach to the inclusive reintegration of different categories of beneficiaries comprising of: ex-combatants (both male and female); Children Associated with Armed Forces and Groups (CAAFG); Women Associated with Armed Forces and Groups (WAAFG), and ex-combatants with disabilities, to provide a process for their smooth return to their communities. DDR also involves war-affected women, at-risk-youth, and communities as a whole, who together contribute to sustainable peacebuilding. DDR is specifically included in Chapter II of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

The Embassy of Japan’s Head of Political Affairs Ms. Haruna Maki, on behalf of the Japanese Ambassador to South Sudan, shared with the leadership of the SSPDF lessons from Japan’s experience recovering after World War II. The Government of Japan is an active supporter of peacebuilding efforts in South Sudan, including sustainable DDR.

UNDP Peace and Community Cohesion Programme Advisor Ms. Judy Wakahiu emphasized UNDP’s continued support to DDR activities.

“Sustainable and inclusive reintegration of all categories of DDR beneficiaries is central to the DDR programme in South Sudan, considering the role reintegration plays in the implementation of revitalized peace agreement,” Ms. Wakahiu said in her statement.

Downsizing armed forces is an important part of Security Sector Reform, per implementation of Chapter II of the R-ARCSS, and DDR is about helping those transforming from military to civilian life and supporting WAAFG, CAAFG, and the community as a whole.

The event is the latest in DDR outreach and sensitization efforts taking place across South Sudan, especially in cantonment sites. In February, for example, sessions were held in Wunaliet cantonment site, to discuss DDR, Security Sector Reform, and national development. The outreach efforts have also been combined with COVID-19 awareness, to emphasize prevention tips to keep communities safe.

The ongoing DDR sensitization sessions are supported by the Government of Japan, and the event at the Bilpam Military Headquarters was covered by the national broadcaster, South Sudan Broadcast Corporation (SSBC).

For more information contact:

Kymberly Bays, UNDP Communications: kymberly.bays@undp.org

About UNDP South Sudan Peace and Community Cohesion Programme:

The Peace and Community Cohesion programme (PaCC) at UNDP seeks to reduce and mitigate community level conflict and insecurity by investing in initiatives that address key drivers of conflict and insecurity. Using UNDP’s community security and social cohesion approach, the project empowers communities and supports the central and subnational governments and authorities to establish and enhance the capacity of peace infrastructures to manage conflicts peacefully; deepen social, cultural and economic cohesion among communities to foster healing, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence; and empower citizens, with added emphasis on women, youth and other marginalized groups for voice, agency and participation in governance and peacebuilding.

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

DDR outreach and sensitization session taking place in Eastern Equatoria in March 2021.