The disarmament and demobilisation of warring factions in the aftermath of civil wars: Key implementation issues

Without security on the ground there cannot be ‘deep implementation’ of a post‐civil war peace settlement. Therefore, disarmament and demobilisation are often key elements in peace settlements. This article examines the process of implementing disarmament and demobilisation as part of a post‐civil war peace settlement. It identifies four elements that are particularly important in determining the likelihood of successful disarmament and demobilisation: the viability and feasibility of the peace agreement an its aims; the implementation environment (at individual, local, national, regional and international levels); the implementation agents; and the actual implementation process.