Tigray government is making preparations to demobilize 75,000 fighters. It was announced by senior Tigray military officer on Sunday.
“Preliminary preparations are being made for 75 thousand militants to join the society,” Lieutenant General Tadesse Werede said. Yesterday, a discussion forum aimed at returning Tigray fighters to society was held. The forum was organized by the National Reconstruction Commission and USAID Ethiopia.
The Deputy President of the Tigray Provisional Administration, Lt. Gen. Tadese, who attended the forum, said, “In 2023, 50,000 fighters were demobilized, but they are in serious trouble due to lack of support.”
He said that soldiers who join the society face serious economic problems and therefore they need an integrated comprehensive support program. ” These fighters need support, respect and recognition if they are to be made guardians of peace, security and economic development,” he said.
2-year deadly war in northern Ethiopia ended in November 2022. DDR ( Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration) of Tigray fighters is part of Pretoria Deal signed between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and the Ethiopian federal government. Tigray had a standing army of around 300k when the war ended.
The DDR program has been delayed for several reasons. One of the main reasons is lack of funds to support demobilized soldiers. Secondly, Tigray leaders link DDR to the withdrawal of non-ENDF forces from Tigray.
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