Rehabilitation Commission Identifies Reception Points for Tigray People’s Liberation Front Combatants

Addis Ababa, October 10, 2026 (ENA)—The National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC) has announced designated reception points across Tigray for combatants willing to leave the fighting and enter the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) process.

Speaking to the media, National Rehabilitation Commission Deputy Commissioner Brigadier General Derbie Mekuriaw reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the Pretoria Peace Agreement.

He said the commission was established by the Council of Ministers to help armed groups return to peaceful civilian life through disarmament, rehabilitation and reintegration.

The NRC began implementing the DDR process in Tigray in 2017 E.C., in cooperation with the region’s interim administration. Many young people had shown interest in the process, joined it and had begun rebuilding their lives before it was disrupted.

The Deputy Commissioner accused a faction within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) of undermining the Pretoria Peace Agreement, obstructing the DDR process and recruiting more young people into the conflict.

Addressing the situation of young people, Brigadier General Derbie said some were receiving medical treatment or waiting in towns for information about the DDR process. He urged the TPLF leaders, military commanders and combatants to take what he described as a final opportunity to return to peace.

He said the government, the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) and the NRC were ready to receive combatants willing to leave the fighting.

Individuals accused of crimes would be subject to accountability procedures, while those entering the DDR process would be assessed through established mechanisms.

The Commission has designated reception points in several towns across Tigray. The locations are Maichew and Mehoni in the Southern Zone; Mekelle in the Southeastern Zone; Adigrat and Wukro in the Eastern Zone; Adwa, Axum and Abi Adi in the Central Zone; and Shire in the Northwestern Zone.

Combatants who cannot reach a designated reception point can contact the relevant authorities by phone for guidance on entering the process.

Brigadier General Derbie said the identities and military status of those reporting for DDR would be verified through established procedures. Military identification cards and other relevant documents could help confirm their records and establish their status in the process.

The NRC also called on families, religious leaders and community members to share information about the process with combatants who may not be aware of the opportunity.

The Deputy Commissioner said community support was important in encouraging them to leave the fighting and return to civilian life.

According to him, the DDR process would help former combatants pursue education, employment and skills training and contribute to reconstruction.