A hardline faction of the TPLF that assumed control of the Tigray regional administration after removing the interim administration is reportedly preparing plans to introduce mandatory military conscription.

A draft proclamation that has been circulating on social media in recent days, and is said to have been prepared by the Tigray regional administration, has become a major topic of discussion among residents and observers. The document reportedly outlines a legal framework for compulsory national service, raising concerns about the possibility of large-scale mobilization amid growing tensions in the region.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the proclamation is expected to be formally adopted in the coming weeks. If enacted, it would establish the legal basis for compulsory military service in Tigray, potentially affecting thousands of young people across the region.

The draft proclamation, titled “The Proclamation Issued by the Tigray National Regional State to Ensure the Existence and Security of the People of Tigray,” is divided into six chapters and spans 44 pages. It contains provisions that have drawn attention from legal and political observers, with some clauses being interpreted as extending beyond the powers typically granted under Ethiopia’s regional and federal constitutional framework.

According to the draft, conscription would be introduced in Tigray and imposed on all able-bodied men and women, requiring them to undertake compulsory service.

The document reportedly states that individuals who refuse to comply could face penalties ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 birr, in addition to compulsory service. The draft states that actions such as disclosing information about military movements, possessing illegal weapons, firing ammunition or fireworks, attempting to evade conscription, and failing to respond to a regional call-up for arms would constitute punishable offences, carrying penalties including imprisonment and fines.

According to Articles 29 and 30 of the draft, particularly during times of war, damage to infrastructure, harm to the public or public institutions, collaboration with enemy forces, and the leaking of confidential information are punishable by imprisonment and fines. If such acts are committed intentionally, they may carry penalties of life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

In addition, the draft stipulates that any activity that creates public unrest or causes harm to the legal and constitutional order, authorities, or the Tigray army may constitute a criminal offence punishable by life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
In addition, the draft states that collaborating with a foreign government to carry out acts that “endanger the sovereignty of Tigray” may, depending on the severity of the offence, carry penalties up to and including the death penalty.

Another provision outlined in Article 44, which may carry the death penalty, concerns engaging in or coordinating economic cooperation with an enemy, or consulting with enemy forces.

Undermining the dignity of sacrifice or insulting the honor of fighters and their families—particularly when carried out through organized media campaigns—would be punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

In addition, the draft states that any person, whether inside or outside Tigray, who criticizes the armed struggle, encourages others not to join it, or opposes it in any form, would be punishable by up to five years in prison.

Article 48 states that engaging in any form of propaganda against the Tigray army, deliberately collaborating with enemy forces to facilitate attacks against the Tigray army, recruiting Tigray natives for the enemy, or inciting and encouraging defection from the Tigray forces constitutes a criminal offence punishable by life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

In addition, the draft states that involvement in usury or related financial transactions, illegal money transfers, or the concealment or overpricing of medicines may lead to fines of up to 300,000 birr.

Tensions are rising in the region between the federal government and the TPLF, amid fears of a new conflict. On Friday, the TPLF’s second-in-command, Amanuel Assefa, firmly rejected allegations from the federal government that the TPLF is preparing to launch an attack. “I think the authorities are preparing to wage war against Tigray and that they want to use this pretext to deceive the international community,” he told AFP.