ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — July 8, 2026 (VOE NEWS)
Media commentators and political observers in Ethiopia have argued that ongoing allegations of forced recruitment and arbitrary detentions in the Tigray region reflect what they describe as a significant decline in public support for the TPLF leadership.
The remarks follow reports alleging that young people in parts of Tigray are being compelled to join military training camps through forced recruitment campaigns. The allegations have circulated amid growing political tensions in the region.
Journalist Dawit Kebede of Awra Amba Times claimed that individuals behind the reported recruitment campaign are motivated by political and economic interests, including control over local resources. He alleged that calls to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons are being used as political cover while the actual objective is to preserve existing power structures.
According to Kebede, the reported forced recruitment campaign indicates that the group is no longer able to rely on voluntary public support. He further alleged that authorities have intensified efforts by stopping public transportation vehicles and removing young passengers for military recruitment.
Journalist Hermon Fikadu strongly criticized the alleged practices, describing forced recruitment and detention of civilians as unacceptable and inconsistent with internationally recognized human rights standards.
Abreham Tsige, Public Relations Head of the Tinsae Seba Enderta Party, also argued that the alleged measures demonstrate that the group has failed to regain the confidence of the local population. He claimed that increasing reliance on coercive methods reflects weakening public legitimacy.
The allegations come amid growing international concern over reports of forced recruitment in Tigray. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have previously expressed concern over allegations that regional authorities have recruited civilians, including minors, against their will. Tigrayan authorities have rejected or disputed aspects of previous accusations, and independent verification of all recent claims remains difficult because of limited access to parts of the region.
VOE NEWS has not independently verified the allegations contained in this report. The TPLF leadership has not immediately responded to the specific claims cited by the commentators in this article.
