Alternatives to "Kalashnikov culture" needed

The demobilisation and reintegration of ex-combatants were among the priorities of rehabilitation efforts, the HDC report said, noting that it was crucial to provide alternatives to the "Kalashnikov culture" now prevailing in the country. It said that if limited preventive measures were not forthcoming, "the level of disenchantment, particularly among the youth, many of whom were involved in the war, could lead to a return to
hostilities". The report cited investment in humanitarian action as another preventive measure, with support to the ailing health sector a major priority. Other prevention efforts should include encouragement for the political transition - culminating in the holding of elections at the end of 2001 - and support for economic recovery revolving largely around the restoration of the vital railway line linking Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville, it said.