Mekelle, Jun 7, 2023 (Tigrai Television)- AU Monitoring, Verification, and Compliance Mission’s (MVCM) term extended for another 6 months until December of 2023 to witness demobilization and reintegration of Tigrayan forces.
Our sources from the AU Monitoring, Verification, and Compliance Mission told us this morning that the mandate of the mission was extended for another 6 months to verify the demobilization and reintegration of the Tigrian fighters.
“AU-MVCM has monitored and verified the first D of the DDR process with handing and taking over around 90% of heavy weapons so far. Light & medium weapons handing and takeover has just started on the 26 May with more to follow. The second D&R is due to commence in the next six months.”, One of the sources texted us earlier today.
Asked about the withdrawal of Eritrean and non-ENDF forces, He replied he “cannot really tell whether Eritrean forces will leave or not,” in the next 6 months either.
On 19 May, the AU Monitoring team briefed that the disarmament of the Tigrayan forces was “completed 85-90 %” with no explanation for the withdrawal of Eritrea and other non-ENDF forces from Tigrai, who, according to the agreement, were supposed to leave Tigrai Simultaneously with the disarmament of heavy weapons by Tigrian forces.
Besides, on 26 May, the AU monitoring team witnessed the disarmament of crew-served weapons of Tigryan forces.
It is to be recalled that, the AU Monitoring Team was launched on 29 December 2022, in Mekelle, the Capital of Tigrai.
Article 11 of the Pretoria Peace Agreement stipulates that the mandate of the team of experts shall be 6 months from the day of deployment, leaving room for extension in the event of both signatory parties agree to do so.
By Abel Tsgabu
