25,000 soldiers to be demobilised

A total of 25,000 soldiers are to be demobilised in four phases ending in 2002 under Rwanda’s revised demobilisation plan, the paper said. Some 8,600 soldiers plus about 2,500 child soldiers were demobilised in the first two phases of the plan in 1997-98, and the third phase will target 11,400 soldiers in 1999-2000. In 1998, about 10,000 ex-FAR were absorbed into the army in accordance with the Arusha Accord, the paper added. The demobilisation programme provides assistance for resettlement and long-term economic and social reintegration. The government is seeking further donor financial support for its demobilisation efforts. [The full policy paper is available at http://www.imf.org/external/np/pfp/1999/rwanda]