In a significant move towards restoring peace and stability, Ethiopia has commenced the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) program in the Tigray region. This initiative is a key component of the Pretoria Agreement, signed on November 2, 2022, between the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) following two years of devastating conflict.
The Ethiopian government is demonstrating its commitment to fully implement the agreement, with the National Rehabilitation Commission recently launching the first phase of the DDR program. This initial phase aims to support 75,000 ex-combatants in Tigray, marking a crucial step in the broader effort to facilitate their reintegration into society.
According to the commission, the integration process will extend to over 371,000 ex-combatants identified across various regions of Ethiopia. This comprehensive approach is designed to help former fighters transition back to civilian life, fostering social cohesion and stability.
Temesgen Tilahun, Commissioner of the National Rehabilitation Commission, spoke to the media about the mission and activities of the commission. He emphasized that the primary goal is to disarm former militants and reintegrate them into the fabric of the nation, contributing to peace, democracy, and development.
“Disarmament and rehabilitation require significant attention and active participation from all stakeholders,” Temesgen stated. He noted that a total of 371,971 ex-militants have been identified nationwide, highlighting the scale of the undertaking.
To support this initiative, the government has allocated 1 billion Birr, complemented by an additional 60 million USD from international partners. These funds will facilitate the disarming of 75,000 ex-combatants in Tigray during this first phase, ensuring their sustainable reintegration.
Three rehabilitation centers have been established in the Tigray region, specifically in Mekelle, Edagahamus, and Adwa, to provide support to the former fighters. Under the supervision of the African Union’s Monitoring, Verification, and Compliance Mission, ex-combatants will begin handing over their weapons to the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF).
Temesgen confirmed that over the next four months, the program aims to disarm and reintegrate 75,000 former militants from Tigray into society. Furthermore, the commission plans to complete the reintegration of the identified 371,971 ex-combatants over a two-year period, ensuring their permanent settlement within their communities.
The Commissioner reiterated the government’s ongoing commitment to disarming and rehabilitating ex-combatants across various states. This comprehensive approach includes providing necessary training and support to help individuals successfully rejoin society, marking a hopeful chapter in Ethiopia’s journey towards lasting peace and stability.
The National Rehabilitation Commission of Ethiopia has outlined an ambitious DDR program, requiring over half a billion USD to be fully realized. This substantial financial commitment highlights the urgent need for attention and collaboration among all stakeholders involved. It is crucial that entities, both local and international, extend their support to ensure the program’s successful implementation.
Countries are increasingly expressing their solidarity with Ethiopia’s efforts to reintegrate former combatants. According to information released by the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad, Türkiye has commended Ethiopia’s ongoing initiatives and pledged its continued support. This commitment was reaffirmed during a recent meeting between Jemal Beker Abdula, Ethiopia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Pakistan, and Irfan Neziroglu, the newly appointed Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan.
Ambassador Jemal highlighted Ethiopia’s successful national unity drive, which has been a catalyst for the official launching of the reintegration program aimed at rehabilitating 75,000 former combatants. He emphasized the significance of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, which underscores Ethiopia’s dedication to resolving African issues through African-led solutions. This commitment further cements Ethiopia’s status as a beacon of peace and security in the Horn of Africa.
In addition, Ambassador Jemal pointed out the Ethiopian government’s proactive leadership in addressing regional challenges, including counter-terrorism efforts and internal conflicts. These initiatives not only promote stability within Ethiopia but also contribute to broader regional security.
Ambassador Irfan Neziroglu, in his remarks, praised Ethiopia’s effective implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement and its ongoing reintegration efforts. He reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia through various bilateral and multilateral platforms, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in achieving lasting peace and development.
In a related development, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed convened a meeting with political and security leaders from the Tigray region. During this discussion, participants emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to address the region’s challenges, focusing on peace, good governance, and development. They also deliberated on the details of the resettlement and DDR program, reinforcing their commitment to working together for the betterment of the population.
Demobilization Director at the National Rehabilitation Commission, Lieutenant colonel Gosaye Tilahun said that some 640 combatants from the training centers of Mekelle and Idaga Hamus have now reintegrated into the society.
The remaining of the 1,360 total demobilized trainees will reintegrate into the society next, he added.
“To date, the total numbers of ex-combatants who went through the process and reintegrated into the society are 640. They have gone through rehabilitation training and reintegrated to the society.
This is what we have done so far while 1,360 former combatants are still going through the process. We will continue reintegrating them into the society in the coming days starting from tomorrow,” he explained.
According to him, the NRC is working on improving the admission capacity of the training centers in order to succeed the commission’s plan.
“In compliance with the principles of DDR, we are prioritizing on demobilizing the wounded and women by going to where they are. Rehabilitation training has been prepared for this and they are taking it. Therefore, the difference in a former combatant before and after the rehabilitation training is visible and it is indicative that the process would allow them to become a force of development and peace,” he emphasized.
For Director Gosaye, this ambitious plan requires adequate resources and financial support from partners and stakeholders.
“It (DDR) requires a huge amount of finance and cannot be covered by the commission alone; rather seeks the support of various stakeholders towards its positive impact. Thus far, we have attained the finance to cover for the training and reintegration of 75,000 former combatants.
However, it requires a huge amount of finance to continue and I urge those who are contributing to continue and others to be on board,” he stated.
As Ethiopia moves forward with its DDR program, the need for robust support from the international community remains critical. The collaboration of various stakeholders will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this initiative, ultimately contributing to the peace and stability of the region.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER 2024
