Young men are leaving the northern Ethiopian region of Tigray due to escalating fears of forced recruitment, as political and military tensions resurface nearly four years after a devastating war concluded. The exodus highlights the lingering insecurity and unresolved issues stemming from the conflict that ravaged the region.

The concerns are amplified by reports of military mobilization by both the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). These developments have stoked anxieties among young people, many of whom are survivors of the previous conflict and are desperate to avoid being drawn back into fighting.

Gebru, 27, recounted being detained with other young men and later released after his parents paid a significant sum. He has since relocated to the capital, Addis Ababa, to escape potential re-detention. "My parents were afraid that if I stayed, I would be taken again," he said, emphasizing their plea for him to leave and ensure his safety. Shewit, 24, also fled to Addis Ababa, abandoning his university studies and a business he had built, stating he did not want to experience another war.

Human Rights Watch reported in July that Tigrayan authorities and forces have engaged in forced recruitment of civilians, including minors as young as 15, since at least April. The organization documented instances where individuals were taken from streets, homes, workplaces, and mining areas, underscoring the gravity of the situation on the ground.

The Pretoria Agreement, brokered by the African Union in November 2022, officially ended the two-year war. However, critical issues such as disputed territories, the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced people, and the disarmament of Tigrayan forces remain unresolved. This lack of comprehensive resolution continues to fuel instability and mistrust.

The current rise in tensions between the federal government and the TPLF is evident in mutual accusations of military mobilization. Reports of significant fighting near Ethiopia’s border with Sudan in August further underscore the volatile security landscape. For many young Tigrayans, the perceived threat of forced conscription has become a primary driver for seeking safety elsewhere.

Shewit expressed his reluctance to return to Tigray unless he can safely bring his family with him, highlighting the profound personal sacrifices made in pursuit of safety. His decision to leave behind his dependents and a struggling business reflects the difficult choices faced by many young people navigating the post-war environment.

While some, like Gebru and Shewit, have already left, others, such as 28-year-old Gebrehiwot, remain in Tigray but are acutely aware of the risks. His past experience fighting in the war makes him particularly sensitive to any signs of renewed mobilization, leaving unresolved questions about the long-term stability and the future prospects for the region's youth.