If functioning political institutions are to be restored, widespread militarization must be reversed. All wars end with some sort of demobilization, however partial. But, in a society torn by internal conflict, ex-combatants must learn to live at peace in the same society with those they have so recently targeted. Although it might seem that allocating substantial resources to demobilizing combatants would be prejudicial to other needy groups, the fates of these larger populations are, over time, closely tied to the success of the demobilization effort. Indeed, many internally displaced persons and refugees have identified demobilization of combatants as a key factor encouraging them to return to their home communities.
Demobilization can only begin once violence has ceased and a peace agreement has been reached.
For this, all parties to the conflict must be committed to pursuing their goals through political rather than military means. Equally important, individual fighters must be willing to give up arms as a means of survival and personal gain. If not, they may well resort to banditry or enlist in other armed gangs, even if their leaders are committed to peace. Outside organizations can promote the first of these goals through political mediation and moral persuasion, and the second, through training, education and material assistance to demobilizing soldiers. Given the widely recognized need for demilitarization to begin after civil conflicts are brought to an end and the absence of a United Nations or other international organization with the designated responsibility to assist in this area, in certain recent post-conflict situations, DHA has had to take the lead in managing the demobilization process.