Berman, Eric G. 2005 ‘Arms Recovery and Disarmament Efforts - Internationally Assisted Initiatives.’ Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War; Chapter 11, pp. 326-327. Geneva: Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva / Oxford University Press. 1 January

Relevant contents

National Programme for Disarmament and Reintegration (2002–03) - Destruction

Two hundred and twenty individuals who participated in the project were selected to receive training. The amount of money that a recipient received for relinquished weapons and ammunition determined eligibility. The minimum was 8,000 CFA Francs (USD 14). The rationale behind this figure was that it would reward those who gave up weapons in good condition. No one who turned in a weapon in an average or poor state would reach this threshold. There is no indication that former combatants—the programme's target audience—received the lion's share of the training.

Instruction was offered in a number of skills over a four-month period. Training began in August 2003 and lasted until December 2003. Skills were provided to those seeking employment as carpenters, electricians, mechanics, and tailors, as well as in other trades and professions. Each trainee received a reintegration package, including tools appropriate for their chosen occupation, valued at up to USD 500. The project was scheduled to conclude at the end of January 2004.

Two arms destruction ceremonies took place under the PNDR. The first was held on 15 June 2002, during which 705 small arms and 9 light weapons were set ablaze. No ammunition or explosives were destroyed because of the inability of the PNDR to dispose of them safely. A second ceremony was convened on 25 July 2003. The PNDR reported that it destroyed 209 small arms and 3 light weapons, as well as 134,352 rounds of ammunition, 1,361 grenades, 27 mortar shells, 54 rockets, and 1 anti-personnel landmine. The PNDR also stated that, during this time, it destroyed 11 additional small arms (eight Kalashnikovs, two MAT-49s, and one MAS-36), 41 canon and mortar shells (eight 107 mm canon shells and 22 60 mm, two 81 mm, and nine 82 mm mortar shells), and 1,582 rounds of 7.5 mm, 7.62 mm, 9 mm, and 12.7 mm ammunition, among other military equipment.

For the reasons discussed above, there is cause to question this breakdown. Of the many possible explanations for the discrepancies between the number of weapons reportedly recovered and those subsequently destroyed, the most plausible is that the government would have sought to keep collected materiel that was in good working order.

[CFA = African Financial Community Franc; PNDR = National Programme for Disarmament and Reintegration (Programme national de désarmement et de reinsertion)]

Last accessed at:
http://www.smallarmssurvey.org

ID: Q5238