Addis Abeba – Former combatants with disabilities participating in the ongoing Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) program in Tigray continue to express concerns about being pressured to exit medical centers before completing their treatment.
In an interview with Addis Standard, disabled veterans receiving care at the North Eastern Front Hospital expressed their frustration over the push to participate in the DDR program prematurely, before their medical treatment was complete.
This approach, they argue, will make their reintegration into civilian life significantly more challenging.
To voice their resentment, these ex-combatants staged a protest on 10 December, 2024, by blocking the road connecting Mekelle, the regional capital, with Adigrat and other towns.
During the demonstration, the disabled veterans stated that they had been grouped with able-bodied former combatants during the disarmament and rehabilitation process and were not provided with adequate medical care to meet their needs.
One disabled combatant currently receiving medical care at the North Eastern Front Hospital told Addis Standard that they will continue to protest until they are permitted to remain in the hospital and complete their medical treatment.
“Approximately 37 disabled combatants who have signed a petition were informed that they may remain until they have completed their medical treatments,” he added
However, he expressed doubt regarding their ability to remain in the hospital for further treatment.
Officials at the North Eastern Front Hospital have stated that the grievances of ex-fighters with disabilities who are receiving medical care at the hospital have been addressed.
According to Gebremariam Beyene, head of the North Eastern Front Hospital, the concerns of these ex-combatants have been resolved following discussions with military officials. However, he confirmed that all 640 ex-combatants with disabilities currently in the hospital will be discharged in accordance with the DDR procedures, and no one will remain in the hospital.
“Of the 640 ex-combatants being discharged, 52 have been identified as needing further medical care,” Gebremariam explained. “They will return to their homes and continue treatment at a nearby hospital or any hospital of their choice.”
Disabled veterans also claimed that they were grouped with support staff of Tigray forces during the disarmament and rehabilitation process.
One combatant, speaking anonymously, elaborated on the issue: “We were categorized as support staff, despite being combatants injured during the fighting. Although officials were aware of our status, this misclassification led to our inclusion with support staffs preparing for reintegration into civilian life.”
Gebremariam disclosed that the hospital had begun rectifying the misclassification by removing their names from the list and correctly identifying them as disabled ex-fighters.
According to him, this process commenced on 11 December, 2024, following discussions with military leaders.
The DDR program targeting 75,000 former combatants in Tigray officially commenced on 21 November, 2024. This initiative is a component of a broader effort led by the National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC) to identify and disarm over 371,000 former combatants across seven regions.
With a total budget exceeding $760 million, the two-year DDR program is initially funded in Tigray through a contribution of 1 billion birr from the government, supplemented by $60 million provided by international partners.
Two weeks ago, Amanuel Assefa, Deputy Chairman of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), expressed criticism of the ongoing DDR process in Tigray, stating that it “is not being conducted properly” and suffers from inadequate implementation.
While affirming that the TPLF does not oppose the DDR framework, to which it had previously agreed, Amanuel highlighted concerns over its execution, asserting that the process is “flawed and should have been approached differently.”
He underscored the importance of going beyond financial support for rehabilitation, advocating for a comprehensive strategy to secure sustainable livelihoods for former combatants.
Furthermore, Amanuel criticized the lack of transparency in certain procedures, particularly with respect to biometric data collection.
Last year, Addis Standard published an in-depth article after visiting a medical facility in a military camp located in Mekelle, where disabled ex-combatants receive medical treatment.
The article highlighted the challenges faced by wounded ex-fighters, including inadequate medical treatment, poor hygiene conditions, and suboptimal food systems.
Disabled ex-fighters shared their experiences of receiving insufficient medical attention and expressed the need for psychotherapy to address their psychological trauma.
During a meeting held in Aksum City on 11 December, 2024, Gosaye Tilahun, director of demobilization at the NRC, stated that approximately 5,000 former combatants have been received at the Idaga Hamus and Mekelle Melese camps so far and are undergoing rehabilitation training.
He further disclosed that 3,500 individuals have successfully completed their training and reintegrated into society, while 1,500 remain in rehabilitation centers to continue their training.
Gosaye also noted that women constitute 30% of the participants in the program. AS
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