Renewed fighting in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region has led to widespread reports of forced recruitment by a new alliance of armed groups, targeting men and boys as young as 15. The conflict, which reignited on September 23 between the federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), has shattered the fragile Pretoria peace agreement signed in November 2022.

The latest hostilities began after months of rising tensions, with the TPLF claiming its actions were in response to federal government drone strikes. This resurgence of violence threatens to trigger another humanitarian crisis in the already devastated region.

Witnesses have described a sweeping recruitment campaign, with individuals aged between 15 and 65 being rounded up on the streets. Notably, the Eritrean Defence Forces and Amhara militias, previously implicated in war crimes during the 2020-22 conflict, have now switched allegiances and are fighting alongside the TPLF. This new alliance is reportedly contributing to the emerging testimonies of forced recruitment and the use of child soldiers.

One individual, Gezu*, 34, who previously fought in the 2020-22 war, expressed his deep reluctance to rejoin the conflict. Having survived the previous fighting and lost friends, he stated his refusal to be "forced back to the horrors of the battlefield." When recruitment efforts failed to draw volunteers and people began fleeing towards the capital, authorities reportedly resorted to rounding up individuals from the streets.

The forced conscription efforts appear to be a direct response to the escalating military situation and potentially a need to bolster dwindling numbers. The shift in alliances is particularly significant, with former adversaries now united against the Ethiopian federal government. This complex geopolitical realignment raises concerns about the potential for further destabilization and prolonged conflict.

Humanitarian organizations are closely monitoring the situation, expressing grave concerns about the safety of civilians and the potential for widespread human rights abuses. The reports of child soldiers are especially alarming, violating international laws and norms.

Further details regarding the scale of the forced recruitment and the specific areas affected are still emerging. The international community is calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unimpeded humanitarian access to the region.

As the conflict continues, the focus remains on the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire and the potential for a deepening humanitarian catastrophe. The long-term implications of this renewed fighting and the reported recruitment practices remain a significant concern for regional stability.