Tigray rebel groups ‘forcibly recruiting boys as young as 15’ as fighting spreads
Civilians try to flee as men and boys rounded up on streets by new alliance as Ethiopia conflict erupts again
TL;DR
- Renewed conflict erupted on September 23rd between Ethiopia's federal government and the TPLF, breaking the November 2022 peace agreement.
- A new alliance, including Eritrean Defence Forces and Amhara militias fighting for the TPLF, is reportedly engaged in widespread forced recruitment.
- Men and boys between 15 and 65 are being targeted, with instances of individuals as young as 15 being rounded up at gunpoint.
- The Tigray region faces a humanitarian crisis, with frozen bank accounts, a daily withdrawal limit, and cut internet and phone communications.
- Previous conflict resulted in an estimated 300,000 to 800,000 civilian deaths, with allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity against multiple factions.