PKSOI Lessons Learned Report January 2019 | Page 3

1. INTRODUCTION
Two absolutely vital factors / processes for “stabilization and reconstruction” of conflict-
affected countries are Security Sector Reform (SSR) and Disarmament, Demobilization, and
Reintegration (DDR).
SSR: “Security Sector Reform is the set of policies, plans, programs, and activities
that a government undertakes to improve the way it provides safety, security, and justice.
The overall objective is to provide these services in a way that promotes an effective and
legitimate public service that is transparent, accountable to civilian authority, and respon-
sive to the needs of the public. From a donor perspective, SSR is an umbrella term that
might include integrated activities in support of: defense and armed forces reform; civilian
management and oversight; justice; police; corrections; intelligence reform; national security
planning and strategy support; border management; disarmament, demobilization and
reintegration (DDR); and/or reduction of armed violence.”
(Security Sector Reform, USAID, DOD and DOS, 12 March 2009, p. 3)
DDR: “Disarming and demobilizing ex-combatants is a highly visible process that can
increase public confidence in the peace process. Disarmament involves collecting and
destroying weapons. Demobilization involves dismantling military units and transitioning
combatants to civilian life through orientation programs and transportation to their commu-
nities. Demobilization involves registering individuals and monitoring them in assembly
camps while they await reintegration. …Reintegration is a social and economic process
in which ex-combatants return to community life and engage in alternative livelihoods to
violence. Integrating ex-combatants into civilian life gives ex-combatants a stake in the
peace and reduces the likelihood that they will turn to criminal activity or join insurgent
groups to support themselves if they cannot find gainful employment. Reintegration activ-
ities include creating microenterprises, providing education and training, and preparing
communities to receive ex-combatants.”
(Guiding Principles for Stabilization and Reconstruction, USIP and PKSOI, Oct 2009, pp. 6-47 & 6-49)
Both processes are extremely time- and resource-intensive. Typically, they are also
complex, challenging, and politically volatile.
Ideally these two processes – SSR and DDR – are worked hand-in-hand. Ideally, also,
the host nation assumes “lead”/ownership of these two processes from the very outset –
with help/support from key stakeholders. Lessons within this compendium bear this out.
In this report you will find lessons from a broad spectrum of SSR and DDR interventions –
covering various countries of Africa, as well as Timor Leste. The report places a “spotlight”
on DDR in the Lake Chad Basin region with a special section of contributions/lessons from
personnel assigned to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) – who bring to the fore
the complexities of policies, plans, coordination, and execution. Closing out this report, the
lead author offers an array of considerations and recommendations for SSR/DDR planners in
the section titled “Key Points: SSR and DDR.” Finally, the document provides an annex of
comprehensive references covering both SSR and DDR.
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