The Multi-Country Demobilization and Reintegration Program (MDRP) is a multi-agency effort that supports the demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants in the greater Great Lakes region of Central Africa. The largest program of its kind in the world, MDRP currently targets an estimated 450,000 ex-combatants in seven countries: Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.

MDRP supports and coordinates demobilization and reintegration (D&R) efforts the greater Great Lakes region of Africa. An estimated 455,000 ex-combatants currently receive support under the MDRP, in the countries of Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. Support will also be extended to Namibia and Zimbabwe if and when appropriate.

Financed by the World Bank and 13 donors – Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the European Commission – MDRP is a collaborative effort among over forty partners, including regional governments, donors, the United Nations and its agencies, regional organizations and International Financial Institutions.

MDRP is financed through two separate but complementary sources: World Bank/IDA funds amounting to up to an estimated US$200 million, and a Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) of an estimated US$300 million, of which US$200 million is currently committed.

Supporting the demobilization and reintegration (D&R) of ex-combatants is essential to breaking the cycle of conflict in the greater Great Lakes region. For current peace initiatives to succeed, many armed groups need to be disbanded and their members helped to rejoin society. D&R efforts contribute to overall stability and rule-of-law, paving the way for long-term social, economic and political recovery.