Human Rights Watch Accuses Tigray Authorities of Forced Recruitment Amid Fears of Renewed Conflict in Ethiopia

Human Rights Watch Accuses Tigray Authorities of Forced Recruitment Amid Fears of Renewed Conflict in Ethiopia
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International human rights reports have warned of rising forced recruitment in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region amid signs of military preparations that could signal a new round of conflict. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front has denied the allegations.

Human Rights Watch said Tigray regional authorities are detaining and forcibly recruiting men and boys through raids on homes and workplaces, including gold mining sites. The organization described the campaign as part of logistical and field preparations for possible renewed fighting with the federal government.

The group said the developments follow earlier reports of compulsory recruitment in Tigray, which witnessed a devastating war between 2020 and 2022. It warned of growing security tensions in the region.

Laetitia Bader, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch, said the forced recruitment campaign has created an atmosphere of fear among Tigray residents. She said local authorities have intensified arrests since late April in streets, markets, and mining areas, while also using informants to identify those targeted.

The organization cited testimonies from former fighters and local residents who said dozens of people, including boys aged 16 and 17, were taken to detention centers for recruitment. Some witnesses also reported violence against those who tried to escape.

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front denied using forced recruitment methods, despite other rights reports referring to calls for the recall of former fighters and a June decree imposing mandatory military service.