
Addis Abeba– The National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC) has announced the commencement of a rehabilitation and reintegration program for former combatants in the Oromia and Amhara regions.
State media reported that the initiative in the Amhara region began on January 13, 2025, at the Burqa Demobilization Center. According to the NRC, the program aims to “verify, register, and rehabilitate former combatants” through training designed to help participants “contribute positively to their communities and live peaceful lives.”
Deputy Commissioner Brigadier General Derbe Mekuria, Eastern Command Commander General Assefa Chekol, and other senior officials attended the launch event.
The NRC reaffirmed its commitment to providing post-training support for sustainable reintegration and announced plans to implement similar programs at additional centers within the Amhara region.
In the Oromia region, rehabilitation training has commenced at the Awash Bishola Demobilization Center for individuals who, in the Commission’s words, have “chosen the path of peace,” state media reported.
During the opening program, Commissioner Temesgen Tilahun highlighted the importance of verifying participants’ status, offering psychosocial and civic training, and providing digital identification to facilitate their reintegration into society.
These programs were launched following consultations with regional officials. On 27 December , 2024, NRC Commissioner Temesgen Tilahun met with Amhara Regional President Arega Kebede to discuss strengthening cooperation between the regional government and the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) program.
Similarly, on 21 December, 2024, the Commission held discussions with representatives from the Oromia Regional State in Adama City to plan the program’s implementation.
The commission previously reported that over 5,000 former combatants in the Tigray region have successfully completed reintegration training and re-entered society. AS