(Accra, Ghana – August 25, 2025) The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ethiopia, has commenced a five-day training course on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) for Ethiopian professionals directly involved in the country’s post-conflict recovery efforts.
The programme, taking place from 25 to 29 August 2025 at KAIPTC in Accra, brings together 26 participants from Ethiopia’s National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC), relevant ministries, and partner institutions. The participants represent diverse fields including logistics, training, IT, and organizational management—all key areas in supporting DDR implementation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, KAIPTC’s Director of Training, Col. Lawrence Deku, commended Ethiopia for establishing the NRC, describing it as “a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to a peaceful and inclusive post-conflict transition.” He emphasized that DDR goes beyond disarming former fighters, noting that it is about “restoring hope, rebuilding trust, and reweaving the fabric of society.”
Col. Deku also pointed to the challenges Ethiopia continues to face despite the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed in November 2022, citing instability in regions such as Oromia and Amhara as ongoing threats to peace.
From the UNDP, Ethipia, Ms. Ndachem Abubakar, Programme Specialist for DDR, urged participants to take full advantage of the training to strengthen their contributions to the national process. This call was echoed by Mr. Berhanu Tesfaye, Head of Training at the NRC, who highlighted the importance of building practical skills for effective reintegration.
The DDR course is designed to provide participants with a solid understanding of DDR principles and operational approaches, while also serving as a platform for knowledge exchange, scenario planning, and regional dialogue. The training incorporates modules on DDR frameworks, planning and operational design, reintegration strategies, and cross-cutting themes such as community engagement and psychosocial support.
The initiative is fully funded by UNDP and aims to directly support Ethiopia’s efforts to demobilize and reintegrate tens of thousands of former combatants into civilian life—an essential step in consolidating peace and stability after years of conflict.
