Young people in Tigray are fleeing the region, driven by fear of forced recruitment and deep uncertainty amid rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. As political rhetoric sharpens and troop movements intensify along both countries’ borders, many young people are making their way to Addis Ababa by any means they can.

Fears are intensifying over renewed tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, the latter of which has been allied with the Tigray region this time.

Reports indicate that the Tigray authorities are mobilizing young people to fight on their side. For the moment, it is unclear how widespread the departures are. However, many people contacted by the Addis Ababa–based outlet Ethiopia Insider say that large numbers of young people are arriving in Addis Ababa.

While air travel remains the preferred option for those who can afford it and secure a seat, most are embarking on a grueling journey: a bus ride lasting one to two days through the Afar region. Some travel by bus to Semera and then catch a plane from there.

Bus fares to Addis Ababa have surged dramatically. A ticket that once cost around 3,000 birr has reportedly risen to 15,000—and in some cases even 30,000 birr, according to Ethiopia Insider. The steep increase means that those who manage to reach the capital are often relatively well-off, able to afford the sharply inflated price of passage. After arriving in Addis Ababa, some of them are attempting to leave the country for Europe or Gulf countries, it was reported.

Ethiopia Insider spoke with a witness whose brothers had left Adigrat and come to Addis Ababa, saying, “The TPLF has started forcibly recruiting people under 50 for military service.” The same witness said he had heard from his family members that Eritrean troops were “crossing the town of Adigrat and advancing towards the center of Tigray.”

Eritrean soldiers have reportedly entered Abiy-Addi in Tembien. A witness told Ethiopia Insider that Eritrean soldiers in civilian clothing were seen in the town. According to the witness, they were spotted in large numbers at the market on Wednesday and Saturday.

According to Deutsche Welle Amharic, the cost of essential food items in Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, has more than doubled. As conflict looms, prices of key staples have doubled or tripled, leaving basic nutrition out of reach for many residents.