Militants Who Embrace Path of Peace in Amhara Region Welcomed at Rehabilitation Training Center

Addis Ababa December 29/2024 (ENA)—Militants who have accepted the government and public's call to embracing the path of peace were welcomed at the Batti Burqa rehabilitation training center today in Amhara region of Ethiopia.

Both the people and the government have repeatedly called on the armed group to lay down their weapons in search of peace and development in Amhara region, it was learned.

As a result of the repeated public and government's call for peace, many militants have been now welcomed to the rehabilitation center.

According to them, they are convinced that the path they are pursuing will exacerbate the suffering of our people. They expressed that they have prioritized the pursuit of peace.

The armed groups operating in various areas of the Amhara region including North Wollo, South Wollo, North Shewa, Waghemra administration, Dessie, Kombolcha and Woldia cties, as well as Oromo special zone administration, were welcomed by members of the Northeastern Command of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) in the presence of religious leaders and elders.

The militants asserted that they engaged in armed resistance to meet the needs of the Amhara people. However, they acknowledged that the path they took was misguided.

They further noted that the initial victims of the armed conflict are the people of the region.

Consequently, the conflict has led to numerous adverse effects, including loss of life, blocked of roads, dysfunction of health facilities, students being unable to attend school, and other related challenges, the militants pointed out.

 

Noting that the public's demand could not be addressed in this situation, the militants revealed that they happily accepted the call for peace made by the public and the government as it is a better option to resolve the problems through dialogue.

They also affirmed their readiness to compensate the community for the wrongdoings committed by the militants up until today.

The Militants have also pledged to work for peace alongside the national defense forces, as the army is the decisive stronghold of Ethiopia’s sovereignty. They also apologized to the public and the government for the wrongs they have committed so far.

Believing such an extreme approach does not meet the demands of the Amhara people, the militants called on the armed groups out there to embrace the path of peace and accept the call from the people and the government.

They also expressed gratitude to the National Defense Force for the good reception they received.

Attending the welcoming ceremony, religious leaders emphasized the importance of peace and appreciated the armed groups for prioritizing peace.

Commander of the Northeastern Command Training Center of ENDF, Colonel Girma Seyoum who welcomed the militants, said that there are many armed groups who have accepted the call for peace from the government and the people.

He also indicated that the army is welcoming militants who have prioritized the option of peace. The Commander also urged the remaining militants to choose the path of peace and strive for the relief of the people.