Teshome Toga, Commissioner of the National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC), explained that the first demobilization is currently in its preparation stage, which was scheduled for June 2022 but extended given resource constraints, quoted by The Reporter newspaper.

Toga stated that logistical needs such as operational campsites are among the preparations underway; 10 of 16 are in the Tigray regional state, where about 70% of the former combatants are located.

While the Commission’s establishment started under provisions in the peace agreement reached between the Federal Government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front in Pretoria, South Africa, in November 2022, the agreement mandates the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of combatants nationwide, he emphasized.

The RNC commissioner confirmed that Oromia and Amhara regional states have the second-highest numbers of former combatants currently disarmed and awaiting the demobilization and rehabilitation processes.

He revealed that the number of former combatants could increase whether peace agreements are reached between the government and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA Shene) and whether the situation in the Amhara region with armed groups belonging to the FANO militia stabilizes.

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