Conclusions: What We Learn from Nepal?

Abstract

This final chapter in the volume critically reflects on insights and lessons learned from rehabilitation and reintegration of Maoist ex-combatants in Nepal. Referring back to the discussion provided in the volume, this chapters shows that the cash based-scheme adopted to reintegrate ex-combatants was a flawed policy option. Although this policy was helpful to dismantle and diffuse the military structure of the Maoist, its contribution in facilitating ex-combatants’ reintegration back into the community and changing their identity from ex-combatants to civilians was limited. Despite huge amount of resources invested, the DDR programme in Nepal lacked local ownership, ex-combatants’ family and community participation and transformative elements that would be needed to address causes and drivers of Maoist armed conflict.