Youth report forced recruitment and roundups across multiple Ethiopian regions

Youths across various regions in Ethiopia have reported a rise in forced recruitment roundups, commonly known as 'afesa', where young people are detained on streets or public spaces to be sent for military tasks. Reports from residents in Wolaita Sodo, South Wollo, Oromia, and Mizan Aman indicate that militias are frequently rounding up youth, particularly after dark, preventing many from freely moving or working. Victims describe the experience as traumatic, noting that those without family influence or money are disproportionately targeted to meet local administration quotas.

While some sources noted that open public outcry has slightly reduced these practices in certain areas, the overall situation remains tense. Residents expressed that such forced recruitment undermines the willingness of volunteers to join national service, arguing that a voluntary approach would be more effective. Though some local officials deny receiving official directives for such roundups, the prevalence of these incidents has caused widespread fear and restricted the livelihoods of many young Ethiopians.