Forced Recruitment and Siege Reported as Conflict Resurges in Tigray

Renewed fighting between Ethiopia's federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has shattered the fragile Pretoria peace agreement signed in November 2022. The resurgence of hostilities, which erupted on September 23 following months of escalating tensions, has triggered reports of forced recruitment and a growing humanitarian crisis across the northern region of Tigray.

The latest conflict began after the TPLF launched an attack, which it claimed was a response to federal government drone strikes. In a shift from previous alignments, Eritrean Defence Forces and Amhara militias—groups previously accused of atrocities against Tigrayans during the 2020–2022 war—are now reportedly fighting in support of the TPLF.

Reports of Street Roundups and Child Conscription

Witnesses report that an alliance of armed groups in Tigray is forcibly conscripting men and boys ranging from 15 to 65 years old. Residents describe armed TPLF fighters rounding up individuals from public transportation areas and streets at gunpoint, particularly targeting those between the ages of 15 and 40.

According to local accounts, officers enforcing conscription have ignored medical certificates presented by parents attempting to protect their children, recruiting anyone physically capable. Some individuals have reportedly paid bribes to officers to protect themselves and their families from being forced into service.

Travel Disruptions and Financial Siege

Efforts to flee the region have been severely hindered. Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to and from Tigray on September 23 after Tigrayan forces took control of the airport in the regional capital, Mekelle. The move left many residents stranded after months of increased travel toward the national capital, Addis Ababa.

The region has also faced severe economic and communication restrictions. Bank accounts were abruptly frozen by the federal government before reopening with a daily withdrawal limit of 2,000 birr (approximately £9), leading to long queues as residents struggle to afford rising food prices. Phone and internet services were temporarily cut off under TPLF orders before being restored this week.

Broader Military Developments

Along with the developments in Tigray, the Ethiopian government faces accusations of conducting indiscriminate drone airstrikes. Opposition forces have also been reported approaching areas close to Addis Ababa.

The previous 2020–2022 war resulted in an estimated 300,000 to 800,000 civilian deaths, according to British government figures. UN experts and human rights organizations previously documented atrocities, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed by the Ethiopian army, Eritrean forces, Amhara militias, and Tigrayan forces during the prior period of fighting.