By DR. YONAS WORKINEH
Ethiopia’s National Rehabilitation Commission, or NRC, said on Friday it had started demobilizing combatants in the northern Tigray region-an important part of a wider national process of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration.
The latest move comes after the Pretoria Agreement was signed in November 2022, ending the two-year conflict between the forces in Tigray and opening a new path of reconciliation.
The latest phase involves former armed forces of the TPLF putting down their arms, with an initial target to reintegrate at least 75,000 fighters back into civilian life.
The process of disarmament was carried out under the monitoring of the African Union Verification and Inspection Team, with members from the Ethiopian Defense Force, NRC, and the Tigray Interim Administration.
The authorities have opened three demobilization centers within the region to help provide psycho-social support and civic training to the former combatants.
Each participant will be given a one-time cash grant, although the amount is not specified.
The government of Ethiopia, with significant contribution from international donors, has dedicated $760 million to demobilize over 371,000 former combatants across the country in the past two years.
The Canadian government pledged CAD 14 million in September, while the UK pledged £16 million in October.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is also playing a vital role in the program’s success, with significant contributions from other international partners.
Representatives from various international ambassadors and embassies expressed their support for the initiative.
The European Union’s Ambassador-designate, Sofie From-Emmesberger, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the DDR process as a model for the wider Horn of Africa region. She praised Ethiopia’s resilience and determination, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to supporting the transition to civilian life for former combatants.
The Ambassador for the United Kingdom, Darren Welch, reiterated how critical the DDR process was and described it as an essential step in implementing the Pretoria Agreement and helping Tigrayans rebuild their lives.
The Ambassador of the United States, Ervin Massinga, hailed the launch of the demobilization process and urged the Ethiopian government to sustain the momentum toward implementing the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. He reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia in pursuit of durable peace and prosperity.
The Resident Representative of UNDP, Dr. Samuel Doe, on behalf of the organization, said that they are proud to manage this multi-partner program, bringing in global experience to ensure that former combatants are reintegrated into society, which is an important layer to building sustainable peace.
The demobilization of combatants in Tigray marks a significant milestone in the ongoing peace process in Ethiopia.
This strong support from the international community underlines the importance of this program in securing stability and prosperity for Ethiopia’s future.
At the same time as the first phase is still ongoing, it is also hoped that this DDR program will serve as a model for other regions in the Horn of Africa, contributing to lasting peace in the region.
While the demobilization of former TPLF combatants is a crucial step in the peace process, much more needs to be done by the international community for the restoration of peace to other theatres of conflict in Ethiopia.
The continuous violence between the Ethiopian army and armed groups such as the Fano militia in the Amhara region, and between the Ethiopian military and the Oromo Liberation Front in the Oromia region, has continued to result in a high number of casualties and widespread internal displacement.
The humanitarian suffering of these protracted conflicts is continually worsened, impeding recovery in the country after years of instability.
What this means, in addition to supporting the DDR program, is that international actors should intensify their efforts at mediation of peace in these regions.
For a country to prevent further bloodshed and displacements, a holistic approach in peacebuilding inclusive of national dialogue and reconciliation becomes primary.
It is only through comprehensive peace initiatives that address all ongoing conflicts that Ethiopia can hope to achieve lasting peace and stability for all citizens.
The international community’s involvement in these processes is crucial if the hope that the Tigray DDR process created is to be seen throughout the entire country.