NRC announces successful reintegration of 17,400 former combatants into society

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2025 (FMC) – The National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC) has announced that 17,400 former combatants have successfully completed their reintegration training and have now returned to civilian life.

Temesgen Tilahun, the NRC commissioner, emphasized that the reintegration and rehabilitation efforts for the former members of armed groups are progressing steadily. He highlighted the collaboration established with the Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, and Afar regions, urging for continued strengthening of these partnerships.

Tilahun expressed optimism regarding the resources made available by the government and donor agencies for the first batch of reintegrating former combatants, particularly their support in enhancing institutional capacities for implementation.

According to the NRC, their ongoing initiatives are crucial in fostering sustainable peace in the regions. However, they acknowledged several challenges, including delays in maintaining rehabilitation centers, insufficient resources for effective implementation, and the prevailing political context in certain areas that hampers progress.

Since November 21, 2024, over 17,400 former combatants from Tigray, Afar, Amhara, and Oromia have successfully been reintegrated into the society, according to the commission.