Mekelle: 17 May 2024 (Tigray Herald)
US envoy meets with Ethiopia’s National Rehabilitation Commission to discuss DDR program
U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Ambassador Mike Hammer, met with Temesgen Tilahun, Commissioner of Ethiopia’s National Rehabilitation Commission (#NRC), on Thursday to discuss the country’s disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) program for ex-combatants.
According to a readout from the commission, during the meeting, Commissioner Temesgen briefed Hammer on the preparatory phase and initial pre-implementation activities related to rehabilitating former combatants. He outlined ongoing fundraising, partnership efforts, cooperation initiatives, and challenges faced. “He thanked the American government for its support and cooperation so far and requested that the support be strengthened,” the commission’s read-out stated.
In response, Special Envoy Mike Hammer acknowledged the Ethiopian government’s completion of preparations for the demobilization and rehabilitation of ex-combatants and noted that the implementation activities are progressing well. He reaffirmed U.S. backing for the DDR process, saying, “The U.S. government will continue to support the National Rehabilitation Commission’s efforts to succeed.”
Hammer’s visit to Ethiopia is part of a regional tour from May 8-19. Prior to his meeting with the NRC, he met with Ambassador Mesganu Arga, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss the DDR process and implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement. The envoy also held talks with interim Tigray administration leaders in Addis_Abeba on challenges in implementing the agreement and charting the way forward.
Source፡ Adiss standard
