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In a recent Facebook post, Jawar Mohammed, a prominent figure in Ethiopian politics, raised urgent concerns over the worsening crisis of kidnappings for ransom by armed groups in Ethiopia. Jawar’s post highlighted a disturbing reality: while such crimes are typically associated with non-state actors, there are troubling reports implicating government forces in colluding with these groups, even sharing in the profits of these criminal activities.
A new and deeply disturbing trend is emerging, where state actors are not only turning a blind eye to kidnappings but are reportedly justifying them for financial gain. According to Jawar, the government is increasingly resorting to forced conscription to bolster its ranks in ongoing conflicts, initially targeting vulnerable populations such as underprivileged youth and day laborers. Now, however, the focus has shifted to include youth from wealthier families, a move that has extended this alarming practice from remote rural areas to major cities and towns.
Jawar’s post detailed reports of local security officials detaining young men, often intercepting them on their way home from school or social gatherings, and taking them to temporary detention centers. These young men are held while brokers approach their families, demanding ransoms ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 birr to secure their release. The wealthier the family, the higher the demand—a calculation made possible by accessing family income data through banks and tax records. This process leaves families scrambling to gather funds, sometimes borrowing from friends or raising money through traditional savings groups, known as afosha (እድር), to pay for their sons’ freedom.
According to Jawar, a family he personally knows had to pay a staggering 300,000 birr recently to secure their son’s release. Such extortionate practices come at a time when the cost of living is already overwhelming for many Ethiopian families, adding to their suffering.
Jawar passionately condemned this practice, describing it as a cruel and deliberate violation of human rights. Forced conscription in itself, he argued, is already an infringement on basic freedoms, but using it as a mechanism for extortion reflects a shocking disregard for decency and humanity, even by the standards of an authoritarian regime.
Jawar’s post has sparked significant online discussion, with many Ethiopians expressing outrage and fear. The increasing threat of abduction has left young men in constant fear, forcing many to abandon their studies, jobs, and daily routines to avoid being targeted. This tragic reality not only impacts individuals but also erodes the very fabric of Ethiopian society, as families live in constant fear for the safety of their children.
Jawar’s message resonates beyond Ethiopia’s borders, drawing the attention of international human rights advocates and organizations. He calls for urgent action to address this national crisis, emphasizing that Ethiopians deserve a government that safeguards their rights and well-being. As this tragic situation unfolds, it has become a national call for justice, accountability, and respect for human dignity in Ethiopia.
