Young Men Flee Tigray Amid Fears of Forced Military Recruitment

Tensions in Tigray, Ethiopia Rise Amid Reports of Forced Recruitment

Reports have emerged of forced recruitment and military mobilization in northern Ethiopia’s Tigray region, prompting concerns among young people about being drawn into fighting. The situation has left many fearing for their safety.

According to eyewitness accounts, some young men were taken from their neighborhoods to local administration offices with other individuals. Their parents reportedly paid cash to secure their release. One individual, Gebru, 27, stated that he was released after his family paid 20,000 Ethiopian birr ($123) in exchange for his safe return.

The African Union-brokered Pretoria Agreement, signed nearly four years ago, ended the war between Ethiopia’s federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). However, key issues remain unresolved, including contested territory, displaced people, and disarmament of Tigrayan forces. Human Rights Watch has documented cases involving former combatants and civilians being forcibly recruited since April.

Tensions have escalated between the federal government and the TPLF, with both sides accusing each other of military mobilization. Heavy fighting was reported near Ethiopia’s border with Sudan in August. In response to these developments, some young men have chosen to leave their homes, including Shewit, 24, who had been rebuilding his life after the war.

Shewit stated that he did not want to go through another war and left behind his family, studies, and business. Gebrehiwot, 28, remains in Tigray but has expressed concerns about being called back to fight due to his experience during the previous war. Human Rights Watch reports that recruitment allegations extend beyond former fighters to civilians and young people.

The situation in Tigray continues to be fluid, with reports of forced recruitment and military mobilization fueling fears among young conflict survivors.

Source: Al Jazeera