Addis Ababa, September 10, 2024 (FBC) – The Government of Canada confirmed today that it is committing CAD14 million (nearly 10.3 million USD) to support the implementation of Ethiopia’s National Demobilization and Reintegration Program (NDRP), the Ministry of Finance disclosed.
The NDRP is being implemented in collaboration with Ethiopia’s National Rehabilitation Commission, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and multiple donors. UNDP has been mandated by the United Nations to coordinate support for the NDRP through a multi-partner fund.
Joshua Tabah, Ambassador of Canada to Ethiopia said, “A comprehensive disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) program is critical for sustainable peace in Ethiopia. The program is designed to help ex-combatants, communities, and all of Ethiopia heal and rebuild. We recognize Ethiopia’s efforts to tackle one of the world’s largest demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants and are pleased to be partners in this National Demobilization and Reintegration Program.”
Canada’s funding will contribute to the demobilization of more than 371,971 ex-combatants and their reintegration into civilian life. Through entrepreneurship training, small grants, psychosocial assistance, civic education and other programs, ex-combatants will be able to rebuild their lives and their communities in peace.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the program will support ex-combatants in Afar, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambella, Oromia, Southwest Ethiopia (SWE) and Tigray.
Commissioner Temesgen Tilahun, National Rehabilitation Commission, extended his heartfelt gratitude on behalf of NRC and beneficiaries of the DRR program to the people and government of Canada for being a forerunner in allocating significant financial support to the demobilization and reintegration process.
The Commissioner said, “As we are on the verge of the official launch, we will use the grant to demobilize and facilitate the transition of former combatants into their communities and help them to start a peaceful life. We believe that the support from the Canadian government will further strengthen the DDR program, ensuring results in lasting peace through a successful reintegration process that needs more resources and a concerted effort from partners and stakeholders of the program. Seizing the opportunity, we, hence, once again call upon friends and partners of Ethiopia to strengthen support for our peace-building initiatives through the DDR program.”
On her part, Ethiopia’s Finance State Minister Ms. Semereta Sewasew said, “I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the government of Canada for leading the way in this endeavour. I especially acknowledge Ambassador Joshua for his leadership in organizing the first DDR lunch meeting, which set the stage for bringing other development partners on board to support this program.
I want to reaffirm that the government is fully committed to supporting the DDR process, by providing both technical and financial assistance and creating an environment conducive to its success. For the 2024/25 fiscal year, the government has allocated 1 billion Birr to this program, with half of that amount already disbursed to the National Rehabilitation Commission.”
Mr. Samuel Doe, Resident Representative for UNDP in Ethiopia, praised Canada for its longstanding partnership with UNDP. The Resident Representative further said, “The timely and substantial financial support provided by Canada will play a crucial role in facilitating the demobilization of ex-combatants, facilitating their return to their homes and communities, and providing essential medical and mental health care to victims, thereby promoting stability and security in Ethiopia. This support is particularly essential in the context of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) implementation and advancing peacebuilding initiatives in Ethiopia.”
Dr Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator for Ethiopia, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting the Government of Ethiopia and its people in their humanitarian and development endeavours. Dr Ramiz emphasized that “the COHA, in which DDR is a crucial component, is a testament to the government’s dedication to fostering peace, security, and sustainable development in the country.
It was mentioned that the DDR program plays a vital role in ensuring the successful reintegration of former combatants into society, promoting reconciliation, and building a foundation for lasting peace.”