Within the framework of the durable reintegration of the third phase of Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) in Ituri, the International NGO Adra, a partner of the UNDP, officially presented integration kits to 270 ex-combatants on Monday 21 April 2008. The ex-combatants have just finished two months of training in civic education, management, agriculture, animal breeding and other trades.

The ceremony proceeded was held in Bunia in the presence of the Governor of Orientale Province Medard Autsayi Asenga, Ituri police chief Germain Ukumu, UNDP officials, MONUC representatives and the local authorities.

The durable reintegration is the most delicate part of the DDR process, because it aims in assisting ex-combatants to learn and use a trade of their choice for their long run economic integration.

In Ituri, the UNDP set up 12 projects in favour of 1,658 ex combatants and 582 vulnerable members of the communities of reception, for a total cost of $1,600,000. The other phase in this process is community rebuilding, for which UNDP already financed 17 projects in Ituri.

Thus, the home communities will be able to profit from the return of the ex combatants, to encourage peaceful cohabitation for all.

The ceremony was enclosed by provincial governor Medard Autsayi Asenga, who had words of encouragement for the ex-combatants who are on the point of joining their communities.

"Now that this useless war is finished, your duty is to rebuild and develop your country. Let us thank the UNDP, MONUC and theUnited Nations system for their fundamental support for our cause."