ABSTRACT
A number of countries in southern Africa have experienced processes of demobilisation and reintegration, associated with the resolution of violent conflicts. This chapter explores the extent to which the demobilisation component of demilitarisation has had an impact on peace-building processes in this region. It reviews demobilisation and reintegration experiences in five southern African countries in order to identify links with peace-building processes, and potential sources of conflict as a result of demobilisation and reintegration. Demobilisation, disarmament, resettlement and reintegration support procedures are all complex and sometimes sensitive exercises. Demobilisation and resettlement require reliable data for planning purposes, effective logistics and management, and substantial resources for shelter, registration, transport and the provision of basic needs. Poor implementation of demobilisation and resettlement caused frustration among government soldiers. Zimbabwe underwent demobilisation in the early 1980s, immediately after independence.
