Amanuel Assefa, Deputy Chairman of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), has voiced concerns over the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) process in Tigray, claiming it is poorly executed and deviates from the agreements made in the Pretoria Agreement.
Speaking during a press conference in Mekelle on November 27, 2024, Amanuel highlighted that the DDR process was intended to proceed only after non-Ethiopian National Defense Forces left Tigray. While the TPLF accepts the DDR framework in principle, Amanuel criticized the execution, suggesting it should have been more comprehensive and transparent, particularly in areas such as biometric data collection and support for sustainable livelihoods for ex-combatants.
Amanuel also criticized the Tigray interim administration, claiming it has failed to fulfill its responsibilities and accusing it of attempting to undermine the TPLF. He stated that the administration lacked a clear governance plan during its two-year tenure and alleged efforts to establish military control rather than implementing agreements.
The DDR program, which started on November 21, 2024, aims to reintegrate 75,000 former fighters in Tigray, with hubs established in Mekelle, Edaga Hamus, and Adwa. The National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC) reported earlier that the DDR process for over 371,000 ex-combatants from various regions had been completed, with the program’s $760 million budget partially funded by $60 million from international donors.
Amanuel also addressed resolutions passed during the TPLF’s organizational conference, which included a roadmap to address ongoing challenges. He expressed dissatisfaction with the interim administration’s performance, accusing it of prioritizing political rivalries over fulfilling its mandated tasks.
According to Addis Standard, the DDR program and interim administration have drawn significant criticism from the TPLF for their handling of post-conflict transitions in Tigray.
