Addis Ababa: Over 10,000 internal displaced persons (IDPs) who were displaced from the three districts of Tselemt have returned their localities, Major General Mesele Belete, Deputy Chief of the North Western Command said.

Major General Mesele added that NDF who has been on duty in the area has been effectively discharging its responsibilities to safeguarding the peace and security of the localities.

Members of ENDF have also carried out activities in collaboration with representatives of Amhara and Tigray regions to repatriate IDPS who were displaced due to the northern conflict, he added.

The IDPs have returned their homes following extensive discussions held with them displaced and the receiving communities, the deputy chief stated.

He mentioned about the efforts made to verify whether the displaced were actually residents of the Kebeles or not by electing elders to identify individuals from those who are not IDPs.

During the preparatory activities, the displaced have been repatriated to their homes b
y retrieving their properties from the third party and ensuring peace and security.

After the repatriation, interim administration will be established from Kebele to District levels through elections by directly engaging the public in the process, Major General Mesele pointed out.

Activities have also been carried out to return the IDPs to their homes in four consecutive rounds, he said.

Accordingly, over 10,000 citizens, who were displaced from the three districts of Tselemt, have returned to their homes.

Major General Mesele commended the collaboration demonstrated by the elders, religious fathers, and the entire community for their contributions they have made to the successful repatriation.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency