Tigray forces begin handing over heavy weapons to the Ethiopian army

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) – Tigray forces, which fought a two-year war against Ethiopia’s federal government, began handing over heavy weapons to the national army as part of an African Union-led peace process on Tuesday.

The demobilization of Tigray forces is seen as central to the November 2 ceasefire agreement, along with the restoration of services, the resumption of humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of Eritrean forces, who fought alongside the Ethiopian army but were not party to the truce.

The conflict has created famine-like conditions for hundreds of thousands of Tigrayans, killing thousands and displacing millions across northern Ethiopia.

A monitoring team made up of members from both sides and a regional body, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), oversaw the delivery in the town of Agulai, about 30 kilometers (18 miles) northeast of the regional capital, Mekelle.

At the ceremony, Tigray Defense Forces representative Mologita Ghebrechristos said that the start of demilitarization will play a major role in restoring peace.

“We are working from the belief that if we want to achieve peace, not all things that open the door to provocation should be. Peace is vital for all of us,” Mulugeta said in a speech broadcast on Tigray television.

“We are all (part of) one Ethiopia. We and the TDF have moved from our defensive positions with peace, understanding and love,” said Aleem Tadesse, Ethiopian Army Representative.

Eritrean soldiers withdrew from several major towns in Tigray late last month but have not left Tigray territory, according to residents. Eritrea declined to comment on whether the troops would leave.

(Reporting by Dawit Endshaw) Written by Hereward Holland. Editing by Aaron Ross and Bill Berkrot

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