Hundreds of former fighters in Ethiopia’s Tigray region are registering for a programme designed to help them return to civilian life.
The registration comes after renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia and major changes in the region’s administration.
According to Africanews and AFP, former combatants have gathered in Mekelle, Tigray’s capital, to join the reintegration programme.
The initiative aims to help former fighters leave armed groups and rebuild their lives.
Former Tigray fighters begin registration
Registration began on Wednesday at the Tigray Martyrs’ Memorial Monument in Mekelle.
Hundreds of former combatants have reportedly lined up at the site.
The programme forms part of efforts to support disarmament and civilian reintegration.
It also seeks to reduce the risk of former fighters returning to armed conflict.
However, the report does not specify how many people have completed registration.
It also provides no details about the assistance participants will receive.
Renewed fighting threatens Tigray peace agreement
The registration follows renewed fighting in Tigray last month.
The clashes disrupted the 2022 peace agreement that ended a devastating two-year war.
The agreement was signed in Pretoria, South Africa.
It established a framework for ending hostilities and addressing the consequences of the conflict.
However, tensions remained after the deal.
According to the report, Ethiopian federal forces regained control of Mekelle earlier this month.
The latest developments have raised fresh concerns about stability in northern Ethiopia.
Ethiopia announces caretaker administration
On Friday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced a caretaker administration for Tigray.
The new authority has outlined several priorities.
These include restoring public services and supporting the return of displaced residents.
It also plans to prepare for elections within six months.
However, the announcement does not guarantee that elections will take place within that period.
The success of the administration will depend partly on security conditions and political cooperation.
Reintegration programme linked to Pretoria agreement
The disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programme was included in the 2022 Pretoria peace agreement.
Such programmes aim to help former combatants move away from armed activity.
They may include civilian training, employment support and assistance with returning to communities.
However, Africanews did not confirm which services are currently available to participants in Mekelle.
Therefore, the registration should not be presented as proof that the full reintegration process has been completed.
Civilian recovery remains a major challenge
Years of conflict have affected communities across Tigray.
Many residents continue to face challenges linked to displacement, damaged infrastructure and disrupted services.
The new administration says it wants to address some of these problems.
Meanwhile, the registration of former fighters could support efforts to reduce tensions.
However, lasting stability will require more than disarmament alone.
Restoring public services, protecting civilians and rebuilding trust will also be important.
Tigray faces uncertain path towards stability
The latest registration drive marks a new stage in efforts to support former fighters.
However, renewed fighting and political tensions continue to create uncertainty.
For now, hundreds of former combatants are taking part in the initial registration process.
Whether the programme leads to lasting reintegration will depend on its implementation and the wider security situation.
The coming months will be important for Tigray’s recovery and future stability.