Authorities in Ethiopia’s Tigray region have reportedly imposed new restrictions on outbound travel at the region’s southern border, preventing many residents from leaving amid ongoing reports of mandatory military recruitment.
According to accounts shared by journalist Shewit Wudassie, security forces stationed at a newly established checkpoint near Alamata, along the route toward Waja and the Amhara region, stopped several long distance buses traveling from Mekelle to Addis Ababa and instructed them to return to Alamata.
Witnesses interviewed by Shewit Wudassie said passengers were informed that individuals carrying Tigray regional identification cards would not be permitted to cross the checkpoint. According to one passenger, security personnel stated that only travelers holding identification issued outside most parts of Tigray, including IDs from Kobo, Waja, or other Ethiopian regions, were allowed to proceed. ChatGPT has not independently verified these claims.
The reported restrictions are said to extend beyond public transportation. Witnesses alleged that security personnel were enforcing the directive on both public and private vehicles, preventing individuals carrying Tigray regional identification, including the federal National Digital ID indicating residency in Tigray, from leaving the region.
The reported measures come amid growing allegations of intensified compulsory military recruitment in Tigray. Critics have alleged that the travel restrictions are intended to prevent residents, particularly young people, from leaving the region and avoiding conscription.
The reports are based on Tigrinya language posts, photographs, and eyewitness accounts published by Shewit Wudassie.
