02 March 2024
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The European Union (EU) has committed €16 million to support Ethiopia’s National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC) in its efforts to disarm, demobilize, and reintegrate an estimated 370,000 ex-combatants across eight regions.
The funding, announced at a ceremony in the Ministry of Finance, will contribute to the ongoing Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) program, managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
This program is a critical component of Ethiopia’s broader Peace Support Program, which also receives support from Germany, Japan, and other international actors.
“The government is committed to covering 15% of the program’s costs,” stated State Minister Semerta Sewasew.
He further encouraged additional partners to join the initiative, acknowledging the ongoing funding challenges faced by the NRC since its establishment in November 2022.
The Tigray region is expected to have the largest number of participants in the program, with an estimated 270,000 ex-combatants eligible for DDR support. This initiative aims to provide a pathway for reintegration into civilian life, promoting peace and stability across Ethiopia.
