Addis ababa: Every conflict leaves behind a lesson, some written in history books, others etched into the lives of ordinary people. For Ethiopia, a harsh lesson has emerged: when one destabilizing method fails, another arises to take its place. The defunct TPLF, once reliant on illegal gold trade and economic sabotage, has now shifted to a more sinister tactic-trafficking Tigray's youth into the conflict in Sudan.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, addressing the Fifth House of People's Representatives, warned that the greatest tragedy in northern Ethiopia is self-inflicted. "A vast number of youth of Tigray are currently being forcibly abducted and sold into the ongoing conflict in Sudan," he stated, highlighting a painful transformation from past economic sabotage to the trafficking of vulnerable youth.
The Prime Minister's speech detailed how the TPLF, unable to regain legitimacy or peace, has resorted to forced recruitment, turning young Tigrayans into commodities for survival. Using a metaphor involving an axe and a woodcutter, he explained the persistent cycle of conflict, with the TPLF as the axe's iron head, Shabya as the wooden handle, and external interests as the hand wielding the axe.
Former TPLF leader Aregawi Berhe supported the Prime Minister's claims, noting that the federal government had genuinely tried to implement the Pretoria Peace Agreement, but the armed faction had no intention of honoring it. Instead, they used the peace process to regroup, turning increasingly to children for recruitment.
Professor Kindeya Gebrehiwot emphasized that the armed faction should not be confused with the Tigrayan people, warning that every opportunity for peace has been sabotaged. He highlighted the growing sentiment among Tigray's youth against further conflict and stressed that the region's stability is constantly undermined by the faction's actions.
International concerns have grown, with the U.S. imposing visa restrictions on hardline members of the Debretsion camp, signaling recognition of those responsible for escalating tensions. Human Rights Watch has also raised alarms over compulsory recruitment practices in the region.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Abiy assured Parliament of Ethiopia's readiness to defend its sovereignty against provocations. "We are actively building the posture necessary to repel any provocation," he declared, emphasizing the need for peace and stability for Tigray's people after years of conflict and hardship.