BANGUI, April 13, 2017 – The World Bank’s Board of Directors approved a $30 million grant to the Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) to support the social and economic reintegration of 5,000 ex-combatants as the country recovers from years of conflicts.
This project will cover demobilized ex-combatants and their host communities. Support measures such as orientation, advisory services, vocational training, and assistance with business start-up, will be in place to help former combatants reintegrate into communities. The host communities will benefit from increased access to basic social services and new economic opportunities.
“The World Bank believes that the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDRR) Program is a priority for stabilizing the country and strengthening social cohesion,” says Jean-Christophe Carret, World Bank Country Manager in the CAR. “It is nevertheless important to not only assist with the reintegration of former combatants but also to provide resources to their host communities by creating new economic opportunities.”
In addition to the host communities, the project also places special emphasis on women. “The goal is to ensure that the distinct needs of male and female ex-combatants are taken into account. For example, vocational training will be tailored to the interests and needs of women and a gender-focused action plan will be rolled out,” explained Abderrahim Fraiji, World Bank Project Team Leader.
This project will be implemented over a 30-month period in the context of a solid partnership with Central African authorities and United Nations agencies. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and the Government will finance activities relating to disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, and repatriation. UNICEF and the Government will assume responsibility for children associated with the armed groups.
* The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), established in 1960, helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for the world’s 77 poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa. Resources from IDA bring positive change to the 1.3 billion people who live in IDA countries. Since 1960, IDA has supported development work in 112 countries. Annual commitments have averaged about $19 billion over the last three years, with about 50 percent going to Africa.
