A demobilisation programme started yesterday in Khartoum and the authorities plan to reintegrate into civilian life some 6.500 combatants from the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Popular Defence Force (PDF).
Yesterday, UNMIS and North Sudan Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission staff processed a total of 40 candidates on the first day of operations at the demobilization centre in Khartoum.Some 31,600 combatants from the SAF, PDF and SPLA, including women who were associated in non-combat roles with these forces, were already demobilised across Sudan.
Many of these ex-combatants were reintegrated into their communities after receiving the training and skills needed to sustain a civilian livelihood.
Demobilisation is currently taking place also in Kauda and Kadugli (South Kordofan) and Torit (Eastern Equatoria)
Preparations are under way to extend the exercise to Wau, in Western Bahr el Ghazal.