Mekelle:The National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC) has urged militants in the Tigray Region to surrender their arms to the Ethiopian Defense Force units located nearby and to engage in the rehabilitation process.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the NRC has expressed its readiness to expedite the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) process for combatants in Tigray. Brigadier General Derbie Mekuriaw, the NRC Deputy Commissioner, emphasized that the framework established under the 2022 Pretoria Peace Agreement is operational and fully funded. The commission, in partnership with the Tigray Interim Regional Administration, has been actively implementing DDR activities since 2024.
The Ethiopian government, with significant support from the international community, has allocated funds to ensure Tigrayan youth transition into peaceful civilian life. Brigadier General Derbie highlighted the recent successful reception and rehabilitation of fighters from the "Army 70" group in Sudan as evidence of progress.
The Deputy Commissioner called on the militants to surrender their weapons and report to defense units, stressing the benefits of leaving behind a life of conflict. He mentioned that a demobilization center is prepared around Mekelle for those wishing to exit the war.
Brigadier General Derbie urged the militants to avoid sacrificing their lives for extremists’ ambitions, indicating that organized demobilization centers have been set up to facilitate their transition. He outlined the procedure for militants to surrender arms to local defense units, either individually or in groups, to access rehabilitation services.
Highlighting the importance of peace, the Deputy Commissioner appealed to all youth, especially those conscripted into military units, to recognize the government’s peaceful alternatives. He encouraged them to see themselves as valuable assets to their families, the Tigray Region, and Ethiopia. He assured them that starting tomorrow, access to the rehabilitation center in the Mekelle area is available.
Brigadier General Derbie concluded that ongoing DDR operations are vital for reintegrating ex-combatants, which is crucial for Ethiopia’s long-term peace and development.
