A UN-led program is assisting attempts to rehabilitate former combatants and give them a chance to lead productive, peaceful lives in their communities as Mozambique looks to move on from its violent past.
Benjamin wants the peace. Former RENAMO (Mozambican National Resistance) warrior, he longs to return to his place of labor in Sofala province’s Cheringoma District.
He aspires to produce his own vegetables, corn, beans, and cassava as well as maybe rear hens and goats, like other former militants in central Mozambique.
Benjamin joined the thousands of ex-RENAMO militants participating in a “disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration” (DDR) procedure only a few months ago.
DDR is a key element of the Maputo Accord, the peace accord made in 2019 between the Government of Mozambique and RENAMO that finally ended decades of conflict and insecurity and brought communities together.
Community members, including ex-combatants, will be able to take part in the local development planning exercises through participatory methods.
“We are thrilled to be back.”
Benjamin is currently reuniting with his family and acquiring new skills with residents of the neighborhood he left more than 20 years ago.
“I’ve felt relieved and happy ever since my brothers and I began our reintegration into the neighborhood and society.
Benjamin declares, “We are overjoyed to be here again.
There haven’t been any problems since we moved into the neighborhood, and I’ve been treated like a brother.
Galcio António, the commander of the Nhamaze Administrative Outpost in the Gorongosa District, agrees with Benjamin’s assessment of the value of rapprochement.
He proclaims, “They’re back, and they’re creating again.
“They are raising their children, integrating into society, and giving back to the neighborhood.
As a strong foundation for fostering long-lasting peace, national reconciliation, and inclusive sustainable development, the UN’s role in the program is to support the government in enhancing the engagement of local voices in planning and budgeting procedures.
In order to support sustainable local growth and adaptation to climate change, local authorities use the program to identify and choose the necessary infrastructure and public services that will be delivered by the districts themselves to their communities.
In Mozambique, former fighters and communities that have been impacted by the conflict share Benjamin’s aspirations of creating new, fruitful lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.
The UN assists them in building a better future for Mozambique by assisting them in realizing their ambitions.
Benjamin declares, “I am quite happy, and the community is happy.” “This peace has to continue. This is our intention.
*The name has been altered.
APO Group is the distributor for the UN Office in Geneva (UNOG).