World
Young men flee Tigray amid fears of forced recruitment
Years after the war, unresolved tensions are again leaving young people fearful of being drawn into fighting.
Al Jazeera•
Tigray, Ethiopia – Gebru, 27, says he was taken from his neighbourhood to a local administration office with other young men. His parents feared he would be sent to fight and searched for a way to get him out. They eventually paid to secure his release, he says.
“I was taken to the office with other young men. My parents found a way to get me released by paying 20,000 [Ethiopian] birr ($123) in cash.”
“My parents were afraid that if I stayed, I would be taken again. They told me to leave Tigray and save myself.”
Human Rights Watch says the recruitment allegations extend beyond former fighters to civilians and young people.