Human Rights First–Ethiopia Warns of Hunger, Civilian Deaths, Forced Conscription, Communication and Banking Restrictions in Tigray

October 1, 2026

Human Rights First–Ethiopia (HRFE) has issued an urgent humanitarian alert warning of deteriorating conditions in Tigray, including growing difficulties accessing food, water, cash, banking services and telecommunications amid renewed hostilities.

Based on interviews with residents of Sheraro, Shire and Axum, HRFE said households are increasingly struggling to meet basic needs, with internally displaced people, civil servants and low-income families among those considered particularly vulnerable. The organization emphasized that its five interviews do not constitute a comprehensive humanitarian assessment but said the accounts represent serious early-warning indicators requiring urgent independent verification.

HRFE also expressed concern over reports of significant civilian casualties around Alamata, Raya-Alamata, May-Chew, Kobo and surrounding areas. The organization said reports that more than 70 civilians may have been killed require further verification and called on Ethiopian Federal Government and its security forces, and other armed actors to comply with international humanitarian law and protect civilians.

The report further raised concerns about restrictions affecting Commercial Bank of Ethiopia accounts originally opened in Tigray. HRFE urged authorities and the bank to ensure civilians retain reasonable access to their lawful funds for essential needs, including food, medicine and water, while making any security-related restrictions targeted and proportionate.

HRFE also reported continuing forced conscription in Tigray, including intensified house-to-house recruitment in some rural areas. One witness from Central Tigray told the organization that a 55-year-old man was taken for recruitment near Edaga Arbi. HRFE called for independent monitoring and an end to coercive recruitment.

The organization additionally confirmed widespread telecommunications and internet disruptions across Tigray and urged authorities and armed actors to maintain emergency communication channels for civilians, hospitals and humanitarian organizations.

“Civilian life must remain the first priority,” HRFE said.

Read the full Human Rights First–Ethiopia report here.