The Amhara Association of America (AAA) has released a strongly worded statement denouncing the Ethiopian government’s ongoing campaign of forced military conscription, particularly targeting underage youths in the Amhara, Addis Ababa, and Oromia regions. The organization accuses Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration of committing grave human rights violations in breach of both Ethiopian and international law.
Underage Youths Taken to Military Camps
The AAA and other human rights watchdogs report that Ethiopian security forces have been rounding up boys as young as 11 years old and transporting them to military camps under coercion. Families in affected areas describe how security personnel conduct door-to-door searches, detaining children and teenagers without legal oversight.
Eyewitnesses and parents from Amhara, Addis Ababa, and Oromia recount that those unable to pay bribes or provide documentation face threats of indefinite detention or forced enlistment. Many families are said to be extorted for money to prevent their children from being sent to the front lines or military training facilities.
These alarming reports were previously highlighted by Ambassador Media, an independent outlet that has consistently reported on the escalating situation in Ethiopia. In its earlier coverage, Ambassador Media documented testimonies from families, former detainees, and local officials, revealing the scale and organization of the recruitment operation targeting minors across multiple regions.
Violations of Law and Human Rights
International and local laws clearly prohibit the conscription of minors. Ethiopia’s own constitution and laws forbid the military recruitment of anyone under 18. The Geneva Conventions and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child—which Ethiopia is a party to—also criminalize the use of children in armed conflict.
According to a report from the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), security forces in Oromia were found detaining minors in makeshift camps with poor conditions, sometimes alongside adults. Similar patterns have been documented in Amhara and Addis Ababa.
Broader Crackdown and Humanitarian Concerns
The forced conscription campaign is taking place alongside a broader crackdown on civilians, especially those of Amhara descent. Since the declaration of a state of emergency in August 2023, thousands have been arrested across the country, often without warrants or charges.
The AAA also warns of a looming humanitarian crisis, with families torn apart, education disrupted, and civilians left in fear. Schools have reportedly been closed or repurposed as detention centers and military outposts in some areas.
Call for International Action
The AAA is urging international bodies, including the United Nations, African Union, and human rights organizations, to:
Immediately investigate the illegal conscription of minors.
Impose sanctions on officials responsible for the violations.
Demand the release of all unlawfully detained children.
Support the delivery of humanitarian aid to affected regions.
“This campaign of terror targeting underage youth is a war crime and a moral outrage,” the AAA stated. “The world must not stay silent as Ethiopia’s children are stolen from their homes and turned into soldiers.”
For updates and to view the full statement, visit the Amhara Association of America’s website. Additional context and eyewitness reporting can be found through Ambassador Media’s official platforms, which have extensively covered the ongoing violations.
