“The Pretoria Agreement will only be fully implemented when our territorial integrity is restored in accordance with the constitution of Ethiopia,” said Lt. Gen. Fisaha Kidanu, the head of the Tigray Peace and Security Bureau, during the launch ceremony of the disarmament and reintegration process of the Tigray Army (DDR process).

He emphasized that the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement relies on the restoration of Tigray’s territorial integrity following the constitution.

Lt. Gen. Fissaha Kidanu emphasized that while Tigray is fulfilling its duties under the agreement, the federal government should also uphold its responsibilities. He praised the heroic Tigray army for their efforts in protecting the people and upholding the peaceful struggle.

“We are here because our choice is peace. We will continue to work towards peace based on our agreement,” he stated.

Furthermore, Brigadier General Derbe Mokuria, the deputy Commissioner of the National Rehabilitation Commission, highlighted that the demobilization process signals the willingness to address differences through peaceful dialogue.

He added that the disarmament process will consider the current security situation in Tigray and fighters will begin regular registration at the training centers starting from tomorrow.

Maj. Gen. Stephen Radina, the AU Pretoria Agreement Monitoring and verification team Representative, commended the demobilization process as a positive experience for the AU and the UN to address conflicts in other areas.

He stressed the importance of monitoring fighters who are transitioning into civilian life to ensure they benefit from professional and financial assistance for the country’s development.

Meanwhile, the security situation in Tigray remains concerning, with a significant portion of the territory under the control of Amhara and Eritrean forces.

It is remembered that the federal government called upon these forces to partake in the Tigray genocidal war. Currently, the Tigray army is undergoing disarmament and demobilization, yet the commitment to remove the invading forces from the occupied Tigray territory, as stipulated in the Pretoria Agreement, remains unfulfilled.