Mekoni, Tigray — September 20, 2025
In a report sent to UMD Media, Human Rights First-Ethiopia detailed a series of grave human rights violations in Mekoni city, Southern Tigray Zone, and unlawful detentions in Afar Region. The group is urging both the Tigray Interim Administration and federal authorities to ensure accountability and uphold constitutional rights.
Shooting of Civilians in Mekoni
The report recounts an incident on August 18, 2025, when a confrontation between armed men and the vice head of Mekoni city’s security office escalated into violence. According to witnesses, the armed group forcibly disarmed the official, then opened fire on bystanders after militias in the area shot into the air. Two civilians—Zenabu Asro Kahsai and Abduselam Ali Mahdi—were severely injured. Abduselam, a Bajaj driver who had recently arrived from Mekele seeking work, was struck by a bullet that entered his back and exited near his heart. He was first treated at Ayder Hospital in Mekele before being transferred to Addis Ababa. Four others, including a 16-year-old boy, sustained minor injurie
Crackdown on Peaceful Protest
On August 31, 2025, residents of Mekoni prepared to demonstrate against an administrator appointed by the interim government. Beginning at 4:00 a.m., heavily armed men, many with their faces covered, occupied streets and blocked movement. Protesters were beaten, and the demonstration was forcibly prevented. Human Rights First-Ethiopia cited this as a violation of citizens’ right to peaceful assembly, enshrined in Article 30 of the Ethiopian Constitution.
Killing Inside a Local Shop
The report also highlights a September 2, 2025 incident where armed men stormed a shop in Mekoni, demanded money, and fatally shot one civilian while injuring another, Abreha Haggazi. The suspects were later handed over to Mekoni police, and a criminal investigation is reportedly underway. However, the rights group criticized the lack of action against those who opened fire on civilians during the August 18 incident.
Detentions in Afar
Beyond Mekoni, the report documents 12 Tigrayan individuals detained in Dubti, Afar Region, by forces identifying themselves as the “Tigray Peace Army.” Six detainees were recently transferred to Semera police, while six others—including Shewit Bitew—remain in Dubti without formal charges or court hearings. Human Rights First-Ethiopia emphasized that this violates constitutional provisions requiring detainees to be brought before court within 48 hours.
Calls for Accountability
The organization urged:
The Tigray Interim Administration to bring to justice all armed actors who opened fire on civilians and suppressed protests.
The Afar Regional Government to release or legally charge detainees in accordance with constitutional and international law.
The Federal Government to actively monitor regional authorities and safeguard citizens’ rights to life, liberty, and peaceful assembly.
Citizens “have the inviolable and inalienable right to life, liberty, and security,” the report stated, stressing that Ethiopia’s federal constitution and international human rights agreements must be enforced without exception.
