This case study describes a community-led DDR project carried out by the Congolese NGO Centre Résolution Conflits (CRC) in Nord Kivu, eastern DRC, from 2008 to 2011. Conceived and designed by CRC, this locally-led project draws 15 years’ experience of work in the Kivus. Preliminary evaluation data based on a small sample suggests that this approach may be significantly more effective and less expensive than DDR programmes led by external agencies. It further indicates that a better combination of local, national and international resources is needed. Looking at DDR from the perspective of how local NGOs can most effectively add value to such processes, the findings of this case study shed light on some of the challenges recognised by international policy makers and provides field-based advice on how some of these challenges may be overcome. In particular, it seeks to offer advice on divisions of responsibility and labour, and contribute to the debate on ‘second generation DDR’, while recognising that its methodology must still be refined. In this way, the optimum combination of international, national and local resources and expertise will be deployed and DDR will have a much greater chance not only of succeeding in sustainably reintegrating combatants, but also of contributing to wider development, community violence reduction and ultimately sustainable peace. Demonstrating the advantages of second generation DDR, this case study provides evidence that the involvement of local organisations can make a significant contribution to these goals.
