Ethiopia’s defence forces say members of the Amhara special forces - allies with the federal government during the two-year civil war against fighters from Tigray - have started withdrawing from the Tigrayan city of Shire and its environments.
This comes as Tigrayan fighters earlier in the week began handing over their weapons in line with a peace agreement signed in November in Pretoria to end the brutal war.
Tigrayan forces have been demanding the withdrawal of forces from Amhara and neighbouring Eritrea from the region.
A send-off ceremony was held for the Amhara forces attended by the army’s deputy chief of staff, General Abebaw Tadesse, a statement by the defence forces said.
However, there is still no indication if Eritrean troops will follow.
The withdrawal of Amhara fighters from Shire - one of the biggest cities in the region - is likely to please Tigrayan forces.
However, disputed land in Western Tigray - claimed by both regions and currently under Amhara forces- is expected to continue to be a destabilising factor.
