NRC Confirms Rehabilitated Ex-combatants to Return to Work with Full Benefits

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2025 (ENA)— The National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC) has announced that former militants who have successfully completed the rehabilitation program will be reinstated to their previous government positions, including those within the security forces, with full institutional benefits.

In a press statement, Brigadier General Derbe Mekuria, Deputy Commissioner of the NRC, stated that the commission has gathered detailed profiles of former combatants, including individuals who had previously served in the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) and participated in international peacekeeping missions before joining the former TPLF.

 These individuals are being prepared for reintegration through targeted rehabilitation training, in line with the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

 Brig. Gen. Derbe emphasized those former militants currently residing in areas near the Sudanese border will also be included in this effort and provided with comprehensive reintegration support.

According to the NRC, all government employees, including members of the security sector, who complete the rehabilitation program will be reinstated to their former roles, with all due benefits and compensation, as mandated by their respective institutions.

Additionally, digital legal identity cards will be issued to returning individuals to facilitate their reintegration, and government institutions will be required to honor benefit entitlements in full.

Brig. Gen. Derbe also confirmed that United Nations subsidy payments, which were previously suspended due to desertion, will be resumed for individuals who have successfully completed the program.

 Furthermore, senior defense officials who have renounced conflict and embraced peace will be formally recognized and honored following their rehabilitation, in accordance with national post-conflict reconciliation procedures.

The NRC also noted its previous achievements, reporting the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of 65,500 former militants.

 This effort was funded through a federal allocation of 1.2 billion Birr, which covered training, food, accommodation, and clothing at rehabilitation centers.

 Each rehabilitated individual received 90,400 Birr in support payments to assist in their transition back to civilian life, amounting to a total of 5.9 billion Birr contributed by partner organizations.