Following the signing of the MoU on Military Affairs in August 2018, both the Government and Renamo have been committed to advancing on the central issue of Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR). The MoU sets out an agreed set of actions and guiding principles for the placement of officers from Renamo into the structures of the Mozambique Defence Forces (FADM) and Republic of Mozambique Police (PRM) and for the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of Renamo armed elements. The DDR process is designed to be inclusive and participatory and seeks to create conditions necessary to allow Renamo combatants to lay down arms and return home.
The disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of 5,221 Renamo combatants (257 women and 4,964 men) has been underway since July 2019 when registration of the first group of combatants took place in Gorongosa district, Sofala province. DDR activities take place in specially designed Assembly Areas (AA) where ex-combatants pass through a comprehensive registration and sensitisation process, which helps them begin their transition into civilian life. Registration and hand over of weapons and other military paraphernalia also takes place. During their time in the AA, DDR beneficiaries participate in reintegration interviews which provide valuable information on their hopes and plans in this next phase. As part of their reintegration process, DDR beneficiaries and family members are invited to participate in economic, livelihood and education opportunities based on needs, capabilities, and local opportunities within the communities where they choose to settle.
DDR activities are led by the Joint Technical Group for DDR (JTGDDR) and the Joint Technical Group for Monitoring and Verification (JTGMV). They are supported in their work by members of the International Component and Peace Process Secretariat.
DDR activities resumed in central Mozambique in June 2020 and 15 of 16 Renamo bases have now been closed. DDR activities are scheduled to conclude in 2023.
