Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration in Tigray
An element in a national DDR/SSR program or a compassionate humanitarian need for returning combatants in Tigray region?
Abstract
The proposal for disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration in Tigray, crafted by the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the Interim Regional Government of Tigray, deviates from the conventional Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) model. Instead, it serves as a limited humanitarian and welfare initiative aimed at urgently rehabilitating Tigray.
In Ethiopia, there’s a pressing need to reform the security sector due to numerous challenges, including war crimes. The Ethiopian government’s approach to DDR, however, differs from comprehensive Security Sector Reform (SSR)/DDR plans, focusing on disarming the Tigray Defence Force and mobilising donor funds. Yet, for meaningful SSR/DDR to occur, the government needs to engage in genuine dialogue to address citizen grievances and resolve conflicts. A significant number of ex-combatants, including disabled veterans, must reintegrate into civilian life in Tigray, requiring substantial resources.
This programme, however, is not a conventional DDR initiative and should be redefined as a humanitarian and welfare effort. Priority should be given to rehabilitating disabled veterans, and reconstruction projects could serve as a means of reintegration for ex-combatants.
This paper is an output of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform (PEACEREP) programme.
Citation
Gebrehiwot, M. Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration in Tigray. Somerville, MA: World Peace Foundation, 2023