Tigrayan Advocacy Group Condemns Alleged Forced Conscription of Youth

July 6, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

The Solidarity of Tigrayans for Independence and Liberty (STIL) has accused authorities in Tigray of carrying out forced conscription of young people, calling the practice unlawful and urging an immediate end to what it described as coercive recruitment.

In a statement, the group said the reported “giffa” round-ups of youth amounted to forced mobilisation by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and its armed wing. It argued that previous phases of armed conflict in the region had relied on voluntary participation, contrasting that with what it described as current coercive practices.

STIL said the use of compulsory recruitment reflected weakening public trust in the authorities, and called the practice a “crime” that should be stopped.

The group urged civil society organisations and political actors in Tigray to publicly oppose forced conscription, and called on independent media to continue reporting on its human cost.

It also appealed to young people targeted for recruitment, urging them to avoid being drawn into armed conflict against their will.

Source: FSX Business News