Operation Rachel: Cross Border Operation Between South Africa & Mozambique

Since the end of the Cold War, Southern Africa has been left with a large number of weapons. These have kept social stability and human development hostage, as they are used to fuel crime and violence I the region.

The human cost of small arms misuse has social and economic consequences which are especially devastating for poor communities. Scarce resources are devoted to the treatment and care of victims of violence, as well as to informal and unregulated forms of security - such as para-militarism and vigilantism.

Small arms misuse is also strongly associated with increasingly violent criminality, forced migration, the deterioration of investment and trade and the obstruction of aid delivery and assistance. Both directly and indirectly, small arms misuse undermines the quality and scope of development in poor countries.

In 1996 Mozambique and South Africa launched Operation Rachel, a co-operative project across the borders of Gaza Province and Mpumalanga. Poor communities were targeted in an effort to search for weapons and  destroy them. The destruction of arms caches in Mozambique by the South African Police Service (SAPS) was a pro-active approach in combating serious and violent crime as well as maintaining law and order within South Africa.

Innovation 

The approach was unique in that in the past people were prosecuted. In Operation Rachel  there was cooperation and people were generally rewarded  for disclosing arms caches. For the sake of reconciliation, an undeclared amnesty was introduced.

Effectiveness 

Mozambique benefited from the demilitarisation of its society. The result was peace and stability, which created a stable environment for foreign investment, job opportunities and economic growth.
Thus far 8 operations have been conducted, involving an estimated 320 people, with the rewards ranging from agricultural equipment to financial compensation. Many thousands of submachine-guns, rifles, vehicle and personnel mines were destroyed.
Poverty Impact

With stability and peace re-entering Mozambique, an enabling environment has been created for investment.
Sustainability

This is an ongoing operation with funding obtained from various sources. Since its inception an estimated R10 million was spent.
Replication   

Commitment from government was important for the project to succeed.  The lessons of Operation Rachel will prove valuable for other regions considering similar programmes.

Partnerships
South African Police Service      
Delta Motor Corporation        
EU Funding