The influx of ex-combatants joining the Demobilization, Disarmament and Reintegration (DDR) program has significantly exceeded initial projections, according to the National Rehabilitation Commission. Early estimates anticipated approximately 250,000 ex-combatants to be registered at a cost of up to half a billion dollars. “Though around 250,000 ex-combatants were expected to join, regional states pushed for increased registration,” said Commissioner Teshome Toga (Amb.) - Advertisement -The DDR process will unfold across eight regions, with large ex-combatant populations in Tigray, Amhara and Oromia. Ethiopia contributed USD 3.1 million, while World Bank’s IDA credit covered over USD 170 million of the USD174 million total cost.

Source: Ethiopian News July 22, 2023 15:58 UTC