Over 56,000 former combatants successfully demobilized and reintegrated across four Ethiopian regions

Addis Ababa, June 18, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s National Rehabilitation Commission has announced that more than 56,000 former combatants have been demobilized and effectively reintegrated into their communities across four regions of the country to date.

Of these, over 45,000 individuals hail from the Tigray region, underscoring the significant progress made in that area, according to a report from local news agency ENA.

Today, the National Rehabilitation Commission convened its regular Program Implementation Review Meeting alongside the DDR Partners Task Force to assess ongoing efforts and coordinate next steps.

Ethiopia continues to pursue a comprehensive Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) program aimed at facilitating the transition of ex-combatants back to civilian life. This initiative, led by the National Rehabilitation Commission, forms a cornerstone of the country’s broader peacebuilding process and is designed to foster sustainable stability.

The program entails the formal discharge of combatants and the provision of financial assistance, healthcare services, and psychosocial support to ensure their smooth and lasting reintegration into society.

In a statement shared via social media, Commissioner Temesgen Tilahun emphasized that this milestone in demobilization and reintegration marks a critical advancement in the implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA). He described it as a vital step forward in Ethiopia’s collective quest for enduring peace and security.

“Across all regions, coordinated and sustained efforts continue among all stakeholders to support the social and economic reintegration of former combatants,” the commissioner noted.

Looking ahead, he added, “With continued partnership and steadfast commitment, we anticipate the successful completion of Phase One of the program in Tigray within the next two months.”