The proposal for disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration in Tigray, formulated by the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the Interim Regional Government of Tigray, is not DDR in the textbook sense. It is neither an element of nationwide DDR nor integrated within security sector reform. Instead, it should be defined as a limited humanitarian and welfare exercise as part of the urgent rehabilitation of Tigray.
This paper outlines the need to mobilize huge resources for the reintegration and rehabilitation of returning combatants, despite among many competing priorities of reconstruction in the region. It argues that this should not be defined as a DDR program, as Tigray cannot undertake DDR alone. Instead, the program should be redefined as humanitarian and welfare program and supported accordingly.
