Warning: This report contains descriptions of rape and sexual violence. Names of victims have been changed and identifying details omitted to protect their privacy and safety. Enat was at home with her eight-year-old niece when the soldiers came one Sunday morning, she says. The Ethiopian army was carrying out searches of homes in the Amhara region on 5 January this year, as part of a crackdown on a growing rebellion launched by local militias known as Fano. Enat says three men, dressed in army uniform, entered her home in South Gondar and began asking questions about her family background and whether Fano fighters had visited the beer hall where she worked. Enat, 21, said they had. "How could we lie? How can we hide the truth?" Enat says, noting that Fano - an Amharic word loosely translated as volunteer fighters - is made up of locals. Things quickly escalated. After asking questions about her family background, Enat says the soldiers began insulting her, th...
Is it true that as many as 15,000 people died while building the dam over the past 14 years? Yes, that is true. No Individual Tribute for Simegnew Bekele With the inauguration of its landmark dam on the Nile, Ethiopia is on the verge of realizing a centuries-old national ambition. The project has come at a great cost, marked by both sweat and bloodshed. Yet, the journey doesn’t seem over. The government has already hinted at future projects on the Nile. Indeed, the GERD has been a truly national effort, with countless Ethiopians from all walks of life contributing to its success and leaving their mark. Within this effort, former chief project manager of GERD Engineer Simegnew Bekele is widely remembered for his immense dedication and ultimate sacrifice. Are there any specific tributes planned to honor his legacy and the well-being of his family (he left behind three minor children)? We believe the GERD is the legacy of everyone. Why don’t we talk about those securit...
Christians in Ethiopia are facing increasing persecution, particularly in the state of Oromia. In October alone, the region saw more than 25 Orthodox Christians killed in its East Arsi Zone. One attack in Honqolo Wabe (Siltana) Woreda left five people dead, reportedly from the same family. Another saw the historic hilltop Asebot Monastery attacked, leaving one Orthodox Christian killed and his son seriously injured. A similar rise in persecution has also affected the Catholic community, prompting the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia to issue a statement condemning the violence and calling on the government to take urgent measures to protect citizens. The bishops noted that “Catholics have died and property has been burnt” in an attack near St Mary’s Catholic Church in West Hararghe. They added: “Our Church strongly condemns this kind of inhuman act. Therefore, our Church calls upon the government to do the necessary law enforcement work to ensure the peace and security of...