A Tigrayan opposition party on Monday accused Ethiopian security forces of arbitrarily detaining ethnic Tigrayans in the capital, Addis Ababa, in what it described as a serious human rights violation and a threat to ongoing efforts for peace
The party, Salsay Woyane Tigray, which operates primarily in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, said it had received “alarming reports” that Tigrayan civilians were being rounded up and unlawfully held in mass arrests “based solely on ethnic identity.”
“This reprehensible act constitutes a grave violation of fundamental human rights and represents a deeply disturbing regression to the period of the genocidal war on Tigray,” the group said in a statement published on social media.
The number of individuals detained was not disclosed, nor were specific locations provided. At the time of publication, the Ethiopian government had not commented on the allegations.
Salsay Woyane called on federal authorities to “immediately cease these indiscriminate persecutions” and demanded the “prompt and unconditional release” of all those allegedly detained.
Ethiopia has previously faced accusations of arbitrary detentions targeting citizens on ethnic or regional grounds, particularly during the country’s recent conflicts. In past years, thousands of ethnic Amhara civilians were reportedly detained in Addis Ababa and parts of the Oromia region, often without formal charges.
More recently, there have also been reports of arrests of Eritrean nationals living in the capital.
Tensions remain high in northern Ethiopia despite the 2022 ceasefire that ended the two-year war between the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). While large-scale hostilities have paused, political rivalries and local power struggles continue to complicate the fragile peace.
Salsay Woyane, which has been critical of both the federal government and the TPLF, warned that recent developments could jeopardize peace efforts, especially amid reports of renewed coordination between TPLF and Eritrean authorities. The party has accused the TPLF of actions that risk reigniting conflict in the region.
Ethiopia’s government has long cited national security as justification for detentions, but rights groups have raised concerns about the use of sweeping arrests based on ethnicity. International observers have repeatedly urged the government to uphold due process and human rights protections amid security operations.
