Addis Ababa, July 18, 2026 (FMC) — When peace is undermined, the rule of law weakens and human rights concerns deepen, citizens increasingly demand justice, accountability and the restoration of lawful order.
Such demands are often expressed through peaceful and legal means, reflecting communities’ determination to seek solutions without returning to conflict.
In this context, a peaceful mass rally organized in Addis Ababa by the Tigray Peace and Reform Council drew attention to the security and human rights situation in the Tigray region, particularly regarding abductions, forced recruitment and mobilization of young people.
The gathering reflected concerns over actions by the defunct TPLF group and their impact on the peace, security and future of the people of Tigray.
The rally highlighted calls for the protection of young people from being drawn into conflict and emphasized the need for greater attention from the federal government and the international community to the challenges facing communities in the region.
Participants stressed that the people of Tigray deserve peace after years of conflict and that the younger generation should not be subjected to further suffering through forced recruitment and violence.
The event also highlighted concerns over young people being taken from communities and exposed to situations that threaten their lives and futures. It underscored the need to prevent practices that could deepen instability and undermine efforts toward peace and reconstruction.
The issue has also been raised by Ethiopian Prime Minister’s Advisor on East African Affairs Getachew Reda, who previously served as President of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration. He described the forced recruitment of young people from places including schools, religious institutions and streets as an inhumane practice that threatens the future of the region.
Getachew Reda has also warned that the people of Tigray should not become hostages to a small group seeking power at the expense of peace, development and stability.
The rally served as a reminder to the international community that protecting children and young people from forced mobilization and conflict is a shared responsibility. Participants called for greater global attention to the situation and urged efforts to ensure that civilians, particularly young people, are protected.
The gathering also reflected concerns that actions targeting young people could undermine the progress achieved following the signing of the Pretoria Peace Agreement on November 2, 2022, which opened a path toward peace, reconstruction and recovery in northern Ethiopia.
Following the agreement, the federal government and the Tigray Interim Regional Administration committed to restoring peace and supporting recovery efforts in the region. The federal government also carried out disarmament, rehabilitation and reintegration efforts involving more than 60,000 former combatants as part of the peace process.
However, concerns raised during the rally indicated that continued actions involving forced recruitment, abductions and mobilization of young people could threaten peace efforts and expose communities to further hardship.
The gathering also highlighted concerns over links between the defunct TPLF group and external interests, with participants warning against activities they believe could undermine Ethiopia’s stability and sovereignty.
The rally reflected calls for the people of Tigray to reject conflict and embrace peace, reconciliation and development, emphasizing that the future of the region depends on protecting its youth and creating conditions for a peaceful and prosperous generation.
The message emerging from the gathering was that safeguarding children and young people from conflict is essential not only for Tigray but also for Ethiopia’s broader peace and stability.