Tigray: The Challenges and Promises of DDR in the Wake of Genocidal War

By Batseba Seifu 

The scars of the genocidal war in Tigray are deep and enduring. After two years of devastating genocidal war, the region finds itself navigating a tenuous peace process, short of positive peace and more of a negative peace, while grappling with the monumental task of rebuilding its society. At the heart of this effort lies the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) process in Tigray —an essential mechanism for transitioning from war to peace. However, DDR in Tigray is not unfolding in a vacuum; it is shaped by the war’s atrocities, the region’s ongoing forceful, illegal occupation, and the broader political tensions in Ethiopia.

For DDR to succeed in Tigray, it must go beyond addressing the technical requirements of disarming and reintegrating combatants. The process must be inclusive, equitable, and accompanied by robust international support. At the same time, it must ensure justice and accountability for the crimes committed during the genocidal war and thereafter.

The Core of DDR: Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration

At its core, DDR seeks to transition combatants from armed struggle to civilian life. Each phase of DDR—disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration—plays a vital role in breaking the cycle of violence and fostering long-term stability. However, each phase also presents unique challenges.

Disarmament entails the collection, documentation, and disposal of weapons held by former combatants. It aims to reduce the immediate risk of violence and create a secure environment for peacebuilding. In Tigray, this phase is fraught with challenges. For many combatants, disarming is not merely a logistical step but a profound act of trust in a political system that is guilty of genocide against their society. Without guarantees of safety and justice, disarmament can feel like surrender—leaving combatants vulnerable to the very forces they fought against to prevent acts of annihilation against themselves, their families and their wider society.

Demobilization involves the formal disbandment of armed groups and the transition of combatants out of military structures. It is a crucial step in breaking the cohesion of armed units and preparing individuals for reintegration into civilian society. In Tigray, where many combatants joined the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) out of necessity to defend their families and communities from annihilation, demobilization requires careful planning to ensure that their sacrifices are acknowledged and their futures secured.

Reintegration is the most complex and long-term phase of DDR. It involves supporting former combatants in finding livelihoods, accessing education, and reestablishing their place in society. In Tigray, reintegration must address not only the economic needs of ex-combatants but also the psychological and social dimensions of recovery. Many fighters carry deep trauma from the genocidal war, and their reintegration into communities that have also suffered immense loss and displacement will require extensive support.

The Context of DDR in Tigray: Unique Challenges

Tigray’s DDR process unfolds in a context of ongoing forceful, illegal occupation by Amhara and Eritrean forces and systemic grievances. The genocidal war left an estimated 600,000 dead, displaced millions, and deliberately devastated the region’s infrastructure. Despite the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) in November 2022 and the subsequent Nairobi Declaration, the promises of peace remain unfulfilled.

A key provision of the Nairobi Declaration was the concurrent disarmament of Tigrayan forces and the withdrawal of foreign and non-ENDF forces  occupying Tigrayan territories. Article 2.1 (d) of the Nairobi Declaration specifically stipulates:  “Disarmament of heavy weapons will be done concurrently with the withdrawal of foreign and non-ENDF forces from the region.” While Tigray has largely upheld its commitment to disarm, the Ethiopian government has failed to withdraw Amhara and Eritrean forces. As a result, significant parts of Tigray remains under occupation by Amhara and Eritrean forces, with ongoing ethnic cleansing, human rights abuses, and the denial of access to humanitarian aid.

This asymmetry undermines the DDR process and leaves Tigrayans feeling vulnerable and betrayed. Disarmament, in particular, becomes a contentious issue when there are forces that are under ongoing forceful, illegal occupation with associated human rights abuses. For DDR to succeed, it must be accompanied by the restoration of Tigray’s territorial integrity, the safe return of displaced persons, and robust measures to ensure security, justice, and accountability.

The Role of Veterans in the DDR Process

Among the most pressing issues in Tigray’s DDR process is the treatment of disabled veterans. Thousands of former combatants sustained life-altering injuries during the genocidal war, and their reintegration into society depends on access to comprehensive medical care, rehabilitation, and support.

Unfortunately, reports indicate that disabled veterans in Tigray are being discharged prematurely from medical facilities, often without adequate care or follow-up. This not only jeopardizes their recovery but also undermines their ability to transition to civilian life. Many veterans feel abandoned, their sacrifices unrecognized and their needs unmet.

Additionally, systemic issues such as the misclassification of disabled veterans as “support staff” rather than frontline fighters have denied many individuals the benefits and recognition they deserve. This creates resentment and further complicates the reintegration process.

Addressing these challenges requires immediate action to prioritize the well-being of disabled veterans. Comprehensive rehabilitation programs, long-term healthcare support, and vocational training are essential. Furthermore, the DDR program must rectify misclassifications and ensure that all veterans receive the respect, recognition, and resources they are entitled to.

The Biometric ID Controversy

The introduction of biometric ID systems as part of the DDR process  has raised significant concerns. While biometric IDs are often touted as tools for transparency and efficiency, they carry significant risks in Ethiopia’s politically charged environment.

For Tigrayans, who have faced systematic targeting, ethnic cleansing, and targeted persecution, the prospect of registering in a federal database is deeply unsettling. The potential for misuse—whether through surveillance, discrimination, or denial of services—is a serious concern. Without robust safeguards and independent oversight, biometric IDs risk becoming tools of control.

To address these concerns, the implementation of biometric IDs must be transparent, accountable, and inclusive. Independent oversight by international organizations, clear data protection protocols, and assurances of local control and possibly access within Tigray can help build trust. Additionally, biometric IDs must be linked to tangible benefits, such as access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, to ensure that they serve the needs of Tigray’s people.

Conclusion

The DDR process in Tigray is not merely a technical exercise—it is a profound act of rebuilding a shattered society. It requires courage, commitment, and a deep understanding of the region’s unique challenges, by the Ethiopian government and not the least, by the Tigray Interim Regional Administration. While the road ahead is fraught with obstacles, the determination of Tigray’s people, combined with robust international support, can pave the way for a future of justice and positive peace.

Batseba Seifu  holds a Masters of Public Administration from New York University and a BA in Law and Justice with short term trainings in International Humanitarian Law; Displacement, Conflict, and Protection; and Operational Research for Humanitarians. She has more than a decade of experience in public service from leading the Black Students Union at North Seattle College to designing and implementing e-learning programs for Peace and Security in Africa to her role as a Country Manager at an Irish social enterprise. Focused on the plight of Tigray, she’s dedicated to advocacy, research, and policy influence, bridging the gap between awareness and action.