ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Horn Daily has spoken to multiple residents who say they fled Tigray after armed groups allegedly began forcibly recruiting young people in several areas of the region.
Witnesses interviewed by Horn Daily described families being separated, parents pleading for the release of their children, and growing fear among communities. Several residents who recently arrived in Addis Ababa said they left their homes because they feared they or their family members would be forced into military service.
Horn Daily has also reviewed videos provided by residents that appear to show emotional scenes of parents crying and young people being taken away. While Horn Daily has collected these testimonies and visual materials, the outlet continues to verify additional evidence as the situation develops.
According to those interviewed, many of the people leaving Tigray are students and young adults who say they no longer feel safe remaining in their communities. Some families told Horn Daily they made the difficult decision to leave everything behind rather than risk losing their children.
The reported incidents have heightened concerns among civilians, with many calling for greater protection of innocent people and an end to any form of forced recruitment. Residents arriving in Addis Ababa say they hope for peace and stability so they can one day return home without fear.
Horn Daily will continue investigating the allegations, gathering testimony from affected families, and following developments as more information becomes available.