23 March 2023 – National Demobilization and Reintegration Programme (NDRP) for ex-combatants that is being developed by the National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC) was discussed with development partners today in Addis Ababa. This meeting follows the first National Consultation on demobilization and reintegration held in Mekelle on 10 March 2023; similar Consultations will also be held in Bahir Dar, Semera, and other locations in Ethiopia.
Speakers at the event included Ambassador Teshome Toga, Commissioner of the NRC; State Minister of Finance Wzro Semereta Sewasew; UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Dr. Catherine Sozi; and UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Turhan Saleh. Participants included members of the National Rehabilitation Council and representatives from relevant federal institutions including the House of People’s Representatives (HoPR), Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) as well as Ambassadors, Heads of Development Cooperation and other senior staff from development partners.
The NRC was established by the Government in November 2022 for a period of two years to assist with the demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants across the country. The draft NDRP prepared by the Commission follows the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in November 2022. This National Programme will support the demobilization and reintegration of up to 250,000 ex-combatants in Ethiopia and will be implemented in several parts of the country, making an important contribution to national efforts to consolidate peace and promote stability.
In connection with the discussion on the NDRP, the Government of Ethiopia underscored at the meeting that resource mobilization and implementation of the broader national recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction program for conflict-impacted areas of Ethiopia will take place in a coordinated manner with a view to promoting sustainable peace and development, and ensuring that disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former combatants remains an integral part of this process. Support for the demobilization and reintegration process by partners is expected to play a significant role in peace support efforts, and in creating an environment in which a peace process, political and social reconciliation, access to livelihoods as well as sustainable development can take root.
Based on the request of the Government, the United Nations (UN) is providing technical and financial assistance to the NRC through the operational coordination of UNDP.
