Tigray Opposition Party Warns of Forced Recruitment and Rising Tensions in Region

May 29, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

A planned political alliance involving the Salsay Weyane Tigray has been suspended following internal divisions within the Tigray Independence Party leadership, a move the party says reflects widening political instability in the region.

The party said the breakdown in cohesion within the Tigray Independence Party leadership led to the temporary suspension of its earlier decision to form a joint front, while calling for renewed dialogue and reconciliation among Tigrayan political actors.

Salsay Weyane Tigray accused the Tigray People's Liberation Front of carrying out forced military recruitment of young people in recent days, a practice it said has placed civilians under significant pressure.

The party called for the immediate halt of what it described as compulsory youth conscription, adding that it intends to pursue political and diplomatic channels to stop the practice.

The statement also urged the Government of Ethiopia to facilitate the return of displaced populations to their original homes and criticised what it described as restrictions on salaries and essential goods in Tigray.

The party said the combination of political fragmentation, disputed governance claims and security developments increases the risk of renewed instability.