Ethiopia has launched a significant rehabilitation program for over 500 former combatants from the group popularly known as "Army 70." The group, which had been operating along the Sudanese border during the Northern conflict, recently crossed back into Ethiopia after the federal government accepted their formal request for demobilization.

The former fighters, many of whom served in the national army before the conflict, are currently stationed at a temporary facility in Awash Arba. National Rehabilitation Commissioner Temesgen Tilahun described their voluntary return as a vital milestone for regional stability, noting that the national reintegration effort has already transitioned 85,000 former combatants including 63,000 in Tigray back to civilian life.

Senior military officials have lauded the move, with Lt. Gen. Haddis Halefom urging other remaining armed groups to embrace the peaceful path and join the nation-building process. Once the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) training is complete, the men are expected to be permanently resettled within their communities to begin their lives anew.