Mekelle, Tigray | May 26, 2025
Since May 25, 2025 transporters travelling from various areas to Mekelle have faced an unexpected and severe disruption at Adaytu checkpoint in the Afar Region. Reports indicate that both the Afar Regional Police and the Revenue Bureau have jointly halted all vehicles carrying goods such as vegetables, coal, and other essential items.
Multiple sources have raised concerns over the nature of the blockade, stating that perishable goods are spoiling due to extended delays and lack of proper inspection protocols. “If a checkpoint wants to conduct an inspection, it should use a modern system or at least conduct standard checks using a metal rod, like other checkpoints across the country,” one transporter said. “But here, they unload everything, without any human resources in place, causing enormous delays and damage.”
Questions have also been raised about the logic and legality of the procedure. “Why are cargo trucks being fully unloaded and then reloaded? Who is responsible for handling these goods? This is creating unnecessary bottlenecks and harming livelihoods,” another affected individual noted.
Adding to the concern, multiple sources claim they faced threats while attempting to document the situation. “We tried to take photos, but they attempted to seize our phones and intimidate anyone they suspected of reporting the issue,” one transporter reported.
This has prompted urgent calls to the Afar Regional Police Commission and the Afar Regional Revenue Bureau to immediately investigate the situation and take corrective measures.
