Belgium donates almost US $5 million towards demobilisation

The government of Belgium is to donate almost US $5 million towards the demobilisation and reintegration of soldiers and armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, the Republic of Congo, Uganda, Angola and the Central African Republic. A statement issued on Thursday by the Belgian state secretary, Eddy Boutmans, said the money would be used to support the demilitarisation and reintegration of armed groups and soldiers in the respective countries, in conjunction with the various peace agreements in each. "An alternative future for the current soldiers and combatants is an element of utmost importance for the peace process," he said. The donation of 5 million euros (almost $4,900,000) will be given to the Trust Fund of the Multi-Country Demobilisation and Reintegration Programme. The fund is a collaboration between the World Bank and other bilateral and multilateral donors. The five million euro donation is in addition to the two million euros approved in 2001.