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| DIAG |
DIAG |
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| Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups (DIAG): |
DIAG Stands for “Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups”. DIAG is not only about weapons collection and disarming illegal Armed Groups (IAGs), but also about the dismantlement of such groups. These groups pose a threat to Afghanistan’s security and stability, consequently hampering development and assistance efforts and holding back Afghanistan’s future. DIAG’s ultimate objective is to allow the re-establishment of prosperity and rule of law through the promotion of good governance in Afghanistan.
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| What is the definition of an Illegal Armed Group? |
Although there is no legal definition, it is agreed that an Illegal Armed Group is:
1. consisting of at least 5 persons,
2. organized under a leader to whom its followers pledge full allegiance, be it out of fear or devotion,
3. operating in full impunity outside the Afghan government framework and authority, and
4. preventing the government to extend its authority in parts of Afghanistan
Although you may have heard of thousands of IAGs being identified, only a small proportion is actually considered active or high threat. The vast majority of identified IAGs, while possessing weapons, can be considered dormant whose reasons for weapon possession is self-defence in light of an unstable security environment. More effort is needed in making the public aware of the Gun Law and weapon registration process is required to address this latter audience.
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| What is the basis to declare such groups illegal? |
In July 2004, remnants of the Afghan Military Forces (AMF) as well as groups which had never joined the AMF were declared illegal (Presidential Decree 50). |
Also, as provided by the Law on Fire Weapons, Ammunitions and Explosive Materials, known as Gun Law (approved by Presidential Decree 20 on 24 Jun 2005), the ownership and use of weapons and ammunition in Afghanistan have been strictly regulated. Therefore, the possession or use of weapons and/or ammunition by individuals or groups outside framework of the law and the state is illegal
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| Who is implementing DIAG? |
The Disarmament and Reintegration Commission (D&RC) is in charge of the implementing DIAG through defining policy and guidelines. The D&RC is chaired by Vice President Khalili; its vice-Chairman is the Special Advisor to the President, Minister Mohammad Masoum Stanikzai. The executive tool of the D&R Commission is the Joint Secretariat (JS), composed of representatives from the six D&RC key stakeholders: Ministry of Defence (MoD), Ministry of Interior Affairs MoI), National Directorate of Security (NDS), UNAMA and ISAF. Afghanistan’s New Beginning Program (ANBP) provides only technical and logistical support to the implementation of DIAG.
At the local level, provincial committees have been established in each of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan. They are chaired by governors and comprised of local Afghan players (NDS, MoI, and MoD) as well as UNAMA, ANBP and Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) representatives. Provincial Committees collect information, assess the security situation, implement and monitor DIAG in accordance with the central policy and the D&R Commission guidelines.
DIAG is a police primacy issue. Therefore, the MoI shall have the lead role in the programme’s operational and logistical responsibilities.
What is the mechanism to deal with Government Officials Linked to Illegal Armed Groups (GOLIAGs)?
MoI, MoD, and NDS are tasked with making firm and serious efforts with regard to the appointment/continuation of Government Officials Linked to Illegal Armed Groups GOLIAgs) who do not fully comply.
A proactive measure to prevent GOLIAGs (Government Officials Linked to Illegal Armed Groups) from obtaining government post has been instituted with the MoI Appointment Selection Board. A representative of the Joint Secretariat is voting member of the board with the responsibility to block nominees with DIAG-related issues.
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| What will happen if ex-commanders do not comply? |
After one month, the level of compliance of ex-Commanders will be assessed by the Provincial Committee and the Joint Secretariat. Eventually, ex-Commanders will face legal action and prosecution from the state.
So far, 300 IAGs have disbanded and turned in their weapons. Weapons collection is not the only measure of compliance. They have also demonstrated a cessation of criminal activity. The national security agencies will continue to monitor their compliance.
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| And how do you reward ex-Commanders who have complied with DIAG? |
There are no personal rewards or incentives. DIAG is not an option but a must. It is a legal requirement and therefore compliance is not to be rewarded. That said, communities harbouring leaders of as well as Illegal Armed Groups should be made aware, through a strong information campaign, that insecurity, as triggered by the presence of such groups, is not conducive to development assistance.
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| How does weapons collection take place? |
Weapons collection points have been established in every province by the local security officials. The weapons are handed over by ex-commanders, registered and verified by the verification team of DIAG and ANBP, then transported to the MOD main weapons cantonment site at central region where, when operational and serviceable, they will be reissued to the security force of the Afghan Government. Other weapons will be disposed off. ANBP is currently in the process of handing over the weapons collect ion points to the MoI, and MoD is obtaining authority to transfer the weapons to weapons central depot Policharkhi.
So far DIAG has collected close to 40,000 heavy and light weapons of which 25,564 are operational and over 2,700 tons of ammunition been surveyed.
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Where have DIAG development projects been initiated? |
Job creation, incentives and development packages is considered by the D&RC in cooperation with the relevant ministries. D&RC is required to report regularly to the President on the progress on development initiatives under the DIAG programme.
The DIAG development projects are initiated in those districts where the DIAG compliance is achieved. So far 31 districts are reached to the compliance level. The canal cleaning project in Mahmood Raqi district of Kapisa and Basic Health Clinic (BHC) building construction in Pashtoon Zarghon district of Herat provinces are the two projects already completed.
The implementation of seven development projects is ongoing in the districts of Balkh, Badghis, Faryab, Kapisa, Takhar and Nangarhar provinces while in other compliant districts the projects are at different stages of technical & procurement process.
The main implementing partner is the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) through its National Area Based Development Programme (NABDP) and National Solidarity Programmes(NSP).
The selection of all projects have been made on the basis of needs-assessments conducted by the District Development Assemblies(DDAs). The DIAG programme has access to almost US $20 million of earmarked development and governance funds provided by the Government of Japan.
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