Over 900 former fighters in Northern Gondar Zone, Amhara region, have surrendered to the government's peace initiative, expressing remorse for their actions and a desire to rebuild their communities. These individuals, who had been active in an armed group, stated that their destructive path had resulted in death, displacement, and property destruction among their own people. They cited regret for the human and material damage caused by their group's violent campaign, which included road blockades, disruption of education, and obstruction of development projects.
The Amhara regional government had repeatedly offered peace, urging a peaceful resolution through dialogue. The former fighters, now participating in rehabilitation training in Dabat town, are committed to making amends for their past actions. One former fighter, Shiferaw Zemede, stated explicitly that the destructive path they followed led to death, displacement, and property destruction for their people.
Another trainee, Tewodros Wolelaw, expressed regret over the disruption of education caused by the conflict, highlighting the suffering of children. Habtam Bikayehu, another former fighter, explained that she recognized the group's goals were contrary to the interests of the people and that she had abandoned the destructive path. She emphasized the need to end the violence and suffering of the people. The trainees also called on their former comrades still in the bush to accept the peace offer and join them.
The Dabat town rehabilitation center coordinator, Fasil Dilnesa, confirmed the surrender of over 900 former fighters. He stated that their remorse and commitment to peaceful alternatives demonstrate a rejection of the group's previous violent approach. He expressed hope that others will follow their example and that the training, which covers national and regional affairs and peacebuilding, will help them reintegrate into society and contribute to the rebuilding of their communities.