ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopia's Tigray rebels announced the start of handing over heavy weapons, a key part of a peace agreement signed more than two months ago to end a deadly conflict in northern Ethiopia.

The spokesman for the rebel Tigrayan forces in northern Ethiopia, Getachew Reda, said in a statement Wednesday that the transfer had been part of its commitment to implement the "Pretoria" agreement, which was signed between the federal government and the rebels, expressing his hope the move will expedite the full implementation of the peace accord.

The terms of the "Pretoria" peace agreement included the disarmament of Tigrayan rebels, restoring federal authority in Tigray, and reopening access and communication to the region, which had been cut off since mid-2021.

The demobilization of Tigray forces, who fought a two-year war against Ethiopia's federal government, is seen as central to the Nov. 2 African Union-led ceasefire agreement, alongside the restoration of services, resumption of humanitarian aid and withdrawal of Eritrean troops, who fought alongside Ethiopia's army but were not party to the truce.

The conflict created famine-like conditions for hundreds of thousands of Tigray's population, killed thousands and displaced millions across northern Ethiopia.

The handover in the town of Agulae, around 30 km (18 miles) northeast of the regional capital Mekelle, was overseen by a monitoring team comprising members of the two sides and a regional body, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

At the ceremony, Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) representative Mulugeta Gebrechristos said the start of the disarmament would play a major role in restoring peace.

"We are operating with the belief that if we are to have peace, all things that open the door for provocation must not be there. Peace is vital for us all," Mulugeta said in a speech broadcast on Tigrai TV.

"We are all (part of) one Ethiopia. Both us and the TDF have moved from our respective defensive positions in peace, understanding and love," said Aleme Tadesse, a representative of the Ethiopian army.

Eritrean soldiers pulled out of several major towns in Tigray late last month but have not left Tigrayan territory, according to residents. Eritrea has declined to comment on whether troops will leave. — Agencies