The Algiers Peace Treaty and the Implementation of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Programme in Mali

Abstract

Despite the comprehensive provisions of the 2015 Algiers Peace Accord, the implementation of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programme in Mali has remained largely ineffective, with limited reintegration of combatants. These coupled with the ongoing insecurity in the regions, lack of cooperation from both the political sector and armed groups has greatly affected implementations of the peace accord. The main objective of this study was to evaluate whether the reforms outlined in the Algiers Treaty could improve the implementation of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programme in Mali, addressing the previous unsuccessful attempts and contributing to the ongoing academic debate on effective DDR implementation strategies. The specific objectives of this study were to determine the influence of political reforms, defence and security sector reforms, development and reconciliation reforms, and justice and humanitarian affairs reforms outlined in the Algiers treaty on the implementation of the DDR program in Mali. The Theory of Justice anchored the study. This study employs a mixed methods approach, incorporating two designs–correlational design for the quantitative data and phenomenological design for the qualitative data. The research took place in Bamako, Mali. Mali was selected due to limited research on DDR programs. Bamako hosts key institutions like the Permanent Mission of Mali to the UN and MINUSMA. The study targeted individuals knowledgeable about the Algiers Treaty and DDR, including those in civil society, government, and international organizations. Mali has 1,014 civil society organizations (CSO) (IFPRI, 2022), and 11676 military personnel and 1588 police personnel deployed in its peacekeeping missions (MINUSMA, 2023). This study adopts snowball-sampling approach in order to recruit participants for the proposed study. The study utilized a sample comprising 366 respondents. Multiple methods of data collection were adopted to facilitate triangulation including semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. This study also employs thematic content analysis and statistical analysis. Additionally, descriptive and inferential analyses were utilised. This study used descriptive statistics to summarize the study sample and variables. It also employed inferential tests to assess the relationships between variables. The study found that 42% of respondents disagreed on improved governance transparency, reflecting a persistent trust deficit in Mali. A strong positive correlation (r = .750, p = .000) and a beta coefficient of β = .208, p = .002, showed political reforms significantly support DDR outcomes. Public perception of defense reforms was ambivalent, with only 26% supporting increased trust in law enforcement, and r = .769, p = .000 indicating a significant relationship with DDR.Judicial and humanitarian reforms, with a beta of β = .529, p = .000, were found to significantly drive DDR success, emphasizing the importance of legal and humanitarian improvements. The study recommends the need to strengthen governance transparency and anti-corruption efforts through accountability, enforcement, and citizen engagement; Prioritize inclusive, community-focused security sector reforms to rebuild trust in law enforcement; Ensure equitable implementation of peace reforms, addressing regional disparities and fostering local participation; and Strengthen judicial independence, improve legal services, and develop victim assistance programs for DDR success.