This report presents a critical analysis of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process of ex combatants from la Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG) and from the civil defence patrols in Guatemala. Most studies of DDR processes have their main focus on stability and security in the post conflict phase. This study moves beyond the traditional focus and asks to what degree it has been possible to integrate the ex combatants in the peacebuilding process itself - as active actors – or agents for change.
It is difficult to imagine active social and political participation from ex combatants without a solid social and economic basis. The report also emphasizes the need to study and take into account the origin, composition, vision and trajectory of each of the armed groups in the DDR process, as different groups require different responses.
The report is a translation of the English version (The Fate of Former Combatants in Guatemala: Spoilers or Agents for Change?), and was printed in Guatemala City in April 2007. It is produced in cooperation between the International Peace Research Institute, Oslo (PRIO) and the North-South Institute (NSI) Canada, as part of the project What Kind of Peace is Possible (WKOP) coordinated by the NSI.
