Tigray recruitment dominated public debate in Ethiopia on Saturday as thousands of people marched through Addis Ababa to protest alleged forced enlistment campaigns in the northern Tigray region, deepening concerns over the fragile peace established after the country’s devastating civil war.
The demonstrators urged the federal government to protect civilians in Tigray and prevent what they described as the forced recruitment of young people by security forces linked to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
The rally comes amid growing fears that tensions between Ethiopia’s federal government and TPLF authorities could undermine the 2022 peace agreement that ended one of Africa’s deadliest modern conflicts.
Tigray Recruitment Sparks Mass Demonstration
Thousands of protesters gathered in Ethiopia’s capital carrying banners that accused regional authorities of forcibly recruiting young people and sending some across the border into neighboring Sudan.
One banner read, “The Ethiopian government must fulfil its duty to protect the people of Tigray,” while another urged authorities to “Stop trafficking combatants to Sudan.”
The peaceful demonstration reflected growing public concern over reports that youths in Tigray are being compelled to join armed groups despite the peace accord signed nearly four years ago.
Participants called on Addis Ababa to investigate the allegations and ensure the safety of vulnerable communities across the region.
Rights Groups Raise Alarm Over Recruitment Claims
The protests followed recent allegations from Human Rights Watch, which said security forces aligned with the TPLF had forcibly recruited young men, including boys as young as 15.
Earlier reports also quoted several youths who claimed they escaped military training camps or fled their communities to avoid compulsory recruitment.
The TPLF has not publicly accepted the allegations, while Ethiopian government officials have intensified criticism of the regional leadership.
Authorities in Addis Ababa have also accused the TPLF of transporting recruits to Sudan through Eritrea, although they have not publicly presented evidence supporting those claims.
Ethiopia-Sudan Relations Continue to Deteriorate
The controversy surrounding Tigray recruitment has unfolded against the backdrop of worsening diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Sudan.
The neighboring countries have disagreed on several security and border issues in recent years, adding another layer of complexity to the already fragile security situation in northern Ethiopia.
Relations between Ethiopia’s federal government and the TPLF also remain strained despite the Pretoria Peace Agreement signed in November 2022.
The landmark accord officially ended two years of brutal fighting that African Union estimates say claimed at least 600,000 lives through combat, hunger and disease.
However, several key provisions of the agreement remain only partially implemented.
Fresh Security Concerns Emerge
Security sources have warned that both federal and regional forces continue to strengthen their military positions near Tigray, fueling fears of another armed confrontation.
Analysts say unresolved political disputes, security arrangements and governance issues continue to threaten the fragile peace process.
The renewed allegations surrounding Tigray recruitment have further heightened concerns that mistrust between both sides remains deeply rooted.
Former TPLF leader Getachew Reda, who now serves as Ethiopia’s Minister for East African Affairs after joining the federal government, also attended the protest in Addis Ababa.
His presence highlighted the growing political divisions within Tigray’s leadership and the evolving dynamics between regional and federal authorities.
Protesters Demand Lasting Peace
Many demonstrators insisted Ethiopia must prioritize dialogue instead of allowing tensions to escalate.
Protester Bahlbi Tsegaye accused the TPLF of forcing young people into military service and exposing them to dangerous conflict zones.
The accusations have added fresh pressure on Ethiopian authorities to address growing insecurity while preserving the fragile peace achieved after years of devastating war.
As uncertainty continues to surround the allegations, observers say the handling of the Tigray recruitment controversy could shape the future of stability in northern Ethiopia and influence security across the wider Horn of Africa.
