Former Tigrayan fighters are among those lining up in Mekelle, hoping to leave years of conflict behind and return to civilian life as a disarmament programme resumes.
The National Rehabilitation Commission has opened registration points across Tigray for the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programme.
Footage filmed on Friday shows people arriving at Mekelle’s Tigray Martyrs’ Memorial Monument, some using crutches, and queuing to register.
“I was injured in the head and ear while fighting. As a result, I developed nerve problems,” said former combatant Fisaha Welday.
“I hope the DDR programme will bring peace to Tigray. I have come to register for the programme, and I hope all fighters will return to civilian life and peace will prevail in Tigray,” he added.
For others, the programme offers hope, but only if promises turn into action.
“The DDR programme is a good opportunity for us, the Tigrayan forces. But it must be properly implemented. I hope it will allow us to focus on peace and development,” said former combatant Michele Abadi.
The DDR programme is part of the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement, which ended a two-year war that killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions.
The renewed drive follows fresh fighting in Tigray and rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, complicating efforts to implement the peace deal.
Source: Viory
