Mekelle,Ethiopia— Reports from Ethiopia’s Tigray region have alleged that more than 150 young people were forcibly detained and transferred across the border into Eritrea for military training.
According to local accounts and family members, the individuals were detained in Aragure village, located in the Dergeajen area of Enderta Wereda, by armed elements reportedly affiliated with regional factions. Witnesses and relatives claim the group was transported across the Mereb River, which forms part of the Ethiopia-Eritrea border, with the reported destination being the Sawa Military Training Camp in Eritrea.
Family members stated that one of the detained individuals was able to contact relatives by telephone during the journey, reportedly confirming that the group had crossed into Eritrea and was being taken to the military training facility. These claims have not been independently verified.
Local observers say the reported conscription efforts have primarily affected the Enderta, Agame, and Raya areas of Tigray. Some analysts cited by local sources have suggested the alleged targeting may have political motivations, noting that the areas have historically shown varying degrees of political opposition to the region’s dominant leadership. No official evidence has been presented to substantiate those claims.
Human rights advocates and community representatives have expressed concern over the reported incidents, stating that arbitrary detention and the forced transfer of civilians across an international border for military purposes, if confirmed, would constitute serious violations of international human rights standards.
Community groups have urged young people to remain vigilant amid the reported mobilization efforts. Local civil society organizations have also called on international human rights bodies, diplomatic missions, and independent monitoring organizations to investigate the allegations, determine the whereabouts and legal status of those reportedly transferred, and encourage authorities to halt any unlawful conscription practices.
