In a momentous turn of events on 23 October 2001, the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) initiated its long-awaited disarmament, signalling a profound commitment to the peace process in Northern Ireland.
This marked the first time the IRA had decommissioned its arsenal after decades of violent conflict, reflecting the success of the Good Friday Agreement and the peace talks that followed.
The move was lauded as a historic breakthrough, easing tensions in the region and offering a glimmer of hope for lasting peace.
While challenges remained, the IRA's disarmament was a powerful gesture, paving the way for further reconciliation and the stabilisation of Northern Ireland.
