Hundreds of young people in Addis Ababa were reportedly detained overnight in what witnesses described as a citywide security sweep.
According to Ethio Focus, a local YouTube-based news platform, security operations targeted several sub-cities, including Yeka, Cherkos, Arada, Addis Ketema, and Nifas Silk. Sources described the arrests as indiscriminate, with no official explanation provided so far.
The Federal Police have not released a statement on the matter. However, eyewitnesses reported that many of the security personnel involved in the crackdown appeared to be from the Oromo ethnic group.
Detainees were allegedly transported to Kaliti, on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, where they are being held at a warehouse owned by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Estimates based on the facility’s capacity suggest that thousands may be in custody.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that the detainees could face forced conscription, with speculation that they may be transferred to military training camps.
The detentions coincided with the release of two journalists who had been abducted earlier in the capital. While their release drew media attention, the mass arrests were reportedly already taking place during the same night.
Separately, the Addis Ababa City Administration demolished a clothing market in the Kolfe Atana Tera area. Local reports said the demolition affected several businesses belonging to members of the Guraghe community.
