Human Rights First-Ethiopia (HRFE) has warned of a deteriorating human rights and security situation in Ethiopia, pointing to renewed military tensions between the federal government and Tigray forces, alleged forced recruitment, arbitrary arrests and increasing restrictions on freedom of expression.
In its July-August 2026 Human Rights Situation Update, HRFE said political and military developments in Tigray are showing warning signs of a possible return to wider armed conflict. The organization said its findings are based on remote and in-person witness interviews, media monitoring and publicly available information, while noting that some allegations remain under investigation.
Tigray-Federal tensions
HRFE identified the political dispute surrounding the TPLF’s reinstatement of Tigray’s 2020-elected regional council and restructuring of the regional executive as a major source of tension. According to the report, communication between Tigray’s authorities and the federal government has since been effectively severed.
The organization also reported an increase in hostile rhetoric from media associated with both sides, describing some of the messaging as reminiscent of the period immediately preceding the outbreak of the Tigray war in November 2020.
HRFE further said its investigations found evidence of ongoing forced military recruitment in Tigray, alongside indications of troop deployments, mobilization and preparations for possible hostilities.
HRFE: More than 30 reportedly buried after Sheraro drone strike
Among the report’s most notable claims concerns a previously reported drone strike near Sheraro.
Witnesses interviewed by HRFE said the strike killed dozens of people believed to have been fighters. According to those witnesses, more than 30 victims were buried at Medhanealem Church in Sheraro following the attack.
HRFE also highlighted the August 1 fighting around Shererina in western Tigray between Tigray and Ethiopian federal forces, describing the direct military confrontation as a significant escalation and warning sign that the conflict could expand.
The organization additionally cited restrictions on essential goods entering Tigray as worsening civilian vulnerability and contributing to tensions.
Pretoria agreement under increasing strain
HRFE said continued non-implementation and alleged violations of key provisions of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement are weakening confidence in the peace process and increasing the possibility of renewed conflict.
It also criticized what it described as insufficient preventive diplomacy by the African Union, United States, European Union and other international actors, arguing that international engagement has not been sustained or proactive enough to address the mounting tensions.
Arrests and alleged forced recruitment in Tigray
The report raises separate concerns about the human rights environment inside Tigray following the adoption of the "Safeguarding the Existence and Security of the People of Tigray" Proclamation No. 366/2026.
HRFE said it documented the arrest of more than 10 mothers, including elderly women, in Mekelle during July, allegedly after they resisted forced military recruitment. Some reportedly remain in detention.
The organization also documented or reported a series of arrests involving journalists, academics, activists, political figures and social-media users. These include specialist physician Dr. Alem Hagos, journalist Teum Alemu, commentator Mearg Amare, Mekelle resident Miftah Hussein, and a leader of the Adigrat University Teachers Association.
HRFE further reported that youth activist Belay Woldu was allegedly taken from his residence in Wejera District on August 6.
Officials of the Tigray Independence Party (TIP) have also been targeted in a series of arrests, according to the report. HRFE identified North Western Zone coordinator Kahsay Abraha, senior party leader Kahsu Kidane, and Eastern Zone coordinator Ezgamin Teklebirhan among those detained.
Additional arrests were reported in Alamata, Nebelet, Asgede and Edaga Arbi, among other locations.
HRFE said the pattern raises serious concerns about arbitrary detention, denial of due process and restrictions on freedom of expression in Tigray.
Addis Ababa arrests and pressure on independent media
The report also documents concerns outside Tigray.
On August 3, federal police arrested Abera Nigus, defense lawyer for former State Minister for Peace Taye Dendea; Yisak Wolday, head of public relations for the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP); and EPRP member Abebe Akalu, according to HRFE.
The three were reportedly detained at the Mexico detention center over allegations that they were planning "terror acts" in Addis Ababa. HRFE said their involvement in public political discourse raises questions about freedom of expression, due process and whether criminal proceedings are being used to restrict peaceful political activity.
The organization also highlighted allegations involving Addis Standard. Citing a statement from its publisher, JAKENN Publishing PLC, HRFE said Editor-in-Chief Yonas Kedir was reportedly abducted and assaulted, while police allegedly raided the publication’s newsroom and multimedia studio, confiscated or damaged equipment, and pressured the organization over its premises.
HRFE calls for immediate de-escalation
HRFE called on Tigray authorities to end what it describes as harassment, intimidation and arbitrary detention of journalists, academics, political actors and other civilians exercising peaceful expression, and to release people detained solely for those activities.
It similarly called on the federal government to protect independent media and freedom of expression and ensure arrests comply with constitutional due-process requirements.
The group called on both the federal government and Tigray forces to de-escalate, halt provocative rhetoric and military mobilization, resolve disputes through dialogue and return to implementation of the Pretoria agreement.
HRFE also urged the AU, US, EU and other international actors to intensify preventive diplomacy, warning that renewed armed confrontation would expose civilians to further serious human rights violations.
Originally published on UMD Media Facebook on 2026-08-10T08:30:00-06:00. Source: https://www.facebook.com/getachew.UMDMedia