Rehabilitating 75,000 former combatants in Tigray region for one-phase is major breakthrough: Interim President

Addis Ababa, November 24, 2024 (FBC) – The ongoing concerted efforts to rehabilitate 75,000 former militants in Tigray Region for the first phase alone would be a major breakthrough, President of Interim Regional Administration, Mr. Getachew Reda, stated.

Efforts to ensure the sustainable reintegration of former combatants from the Tigray region have begun on Thursday by enrolling them into rehabilitation training centers.

Similarly, the official launch of the rehabilitation and reintegration training program for these former militants in the region was held at the Meles Zenawi Campus of Mekelle University, it was indicated.

The occasion brought together senior federal government officials including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands, Abraham Belay, Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service, Redwan Hussien, Vice President of Tigray Regional Interim Administration, General Tsadkan Gebretensae and National Rehabilitation Commissioner Temesgen Tilahun and other officials.

In his remarks, President of Tigray Interim Regional Administration, Getachew Reda said The rehabilitation work being carried out by the National Rehabilitation Commission and the Interim Administration is being carried out in a manner that takes into account the peace and security of the Tigray Region.

According to him, these ongoing activities are beyond disarmament but it intends to ensure a durable peace.

In this respect the practical activities that have been carried out on the ground to rehabilitate former Tigray regional combatants are encouraging, Getachew underscored.

He further mentioned that the endeavors being done in coordination have been also yielding tangible results. And the president stressed the need for reinforcing efforts on the issue of returning the displaced to their homes as it requires further work.

The interim administration officials are working closely with the federal government to ensure peace and security in the region, he pointed out.

He also stated that the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate 75,000 former combatants through rehabilitation and training in the first-phase are a major step in this regard.

Acknowledging the rehabilitation and reintegration process cannot be completed in one chapter, Getachew noted it needs to be managed responsibly by taking into account the resource constraints.

He further explained that the rehabilitation of former combatants is an alternative to all forms of development and peace, local newswire service ENA reported.

President Getachew also recommended the National Rehabilitation Commission for its response and he said the Commission should continue to work hard to lead the process effectively in collaboration with the United Nations development and other partners.