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Reintegration projects in former rebel territory

    ABIDJAN

    A programme to help reintegrate ex-fighters, their dependants and local communities is underway in former rebel-held areas of Sierra Leone but needs more funds, the International Office for Migration (IOM) reported on Tuesday.

    Working with the government's National Committee for Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration and the UN Mission in Sierra Leone, the first phase of the programme aims to provide sustainable, income-generating opportunities for 7,000 ex-combatants and some 35,000 dependants in the eastern districts of Kono and Kailahun, and Koinadugu in northern Sierra Leone. More than 1,200 ex-fighters are currently employed in various projects designed to improve accesss to safe drinking water and increase sanitary systems in the region, IOM reported.

    The first phase of the programme, currently financed with a US $143,000 bridging grant from the UK, is still facing a shortfall of some $4.9 million, IOM said.

    The project also aims to help revitalise agricultural production, improve food security and offer income-generating opportunities and skills training for more ex-combatants and members of the local community. Future projects include the rehabilitation of local infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, IOM said.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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