Assault on “We Hate War” Youth Protesters in Wukro, Tigray by Security Forces

UMD Media, January 26, 2025

On the morning of January 26, beginning around 6:00 AM, a peaceful protest was organized by the youth of Wukro, a town less than 50 km North of the Capital of Tigray, Mekelle. The demonstrators voiced slogans such as, “Our displaced people should return,” “We hate war,” and “We were not created for death.” The protest was conducted in an orderly manner and aimed to express their collective desire for peace and opposition to violence. The youth in Tigray have been expressing their concerns in face of the prospect of war following a contentious statement made by Tigray army commanders last week.

However, the situation escalated when security forces intervened. According to witnesses, Tsegay (last name not provided), the city militia chief, Solomon (last name not provided) from the security office, and Abraha Haile Teka from the Army 92 Corps 2 brought two patrol vehicles to the scene. The security forces reportedly opened fire and physically assaulted the protesters, using sticks to disperse the crowd.

In response to the violent crackdown, some of the protesters cried out, “We said we didn’t want to die in war, and now you’re killing us yourselves!” Despite their calls for nonviolence, security personnel proceeded to detain and beat three individuals:

1. Yohannes Haile Selassie
2. Birhane Haftu
3. Tadesse (last name unknown), a zonal driver who was tasked with transporting a speaker for the rally.

These individuals were subjected to physical violence and have not received medical treatment for their injuries, as they were taken directly to the police station following the incident.

The details of the event were reported by journalist Habtom Haile, based on information provided by the youth organizers of the rally. The incident raises concerns about the safety of peaceful protesters and the use of excessive force by security forces in Tigray led by Fisseha Kidanu. Further investigation into the assault and the condition of the detained individuals is necessary.