The Silent Suffering: Women's Plight Amidst Ethiopia's Conflict

Fri Dec 05 2025 04:25:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A harrowing look into the sexual violence against women during the Ethiopian conflict, revealing stories of those who have endured unimaginable trauma and the systemic issues leading to their suffering.

In the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia, women are disproportionately affected by violence, facing horrific sexual assaults at the hands of soldiers. Reports indicate thousands of cases of rape since the conflict escalated in 2023. Survivors share their traumatic experiences, highlighting the societal stigma and inadequate support systems they face.

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.

In January 2023, Enat endured a horrific experience when soldiers from the Ethiopian army stormed her home in the Amhara region amidst a crackdown on local militias. Despite being scared for her eight-year-old niece, she answered their questions honestly about the Fano fighters. The events escalated quickly; Enat was raped in front of her niece, leaving lifelong scars.

The conflict that ignited in August 2023 between the Ethiopian army and Fano forces has led to thousands of reported sexual assaults. The data collected by the BBC indicates that victims range in age from eight to sixty-five, highlighting the widespread nature of the violence.

Though independent media access is limited in Amhara, testimonies from survivors provide insight into the systemic failures and human rights abuses occurring in the conflict. Enat is one of many women who now grapple with the trauma of their assaults and the stigmatization that follows. Victims often suffer alone, fearing societal backlash and failing to seek the medical care they desperately need.

Tigist's story echoes Enat's, as she too fell victim to gang-rape after rejecting the advances of a soldier. The psychological impact has left her homebound and unable to work or engage with her community. The prevalence of sexual violence is reflected in alarming stats: healthcare facilities have documented nearly 2,700 cases just from a fraction of facilities in the region.

Lemlem shares her sorrow, feeling that her identity as a woman has led to her victimization. Many victims like her experience severe emotional turmoil, and the majority remain silent due to cultural pressures against voicing their trauma.

The Ethiopian National Defence Force has been accused of systematic sexual violence during the conflict, further complicating the path to justice for survivors. As the investigative processes continue, human rights organizations call for accountability to ensure that these atrocities do not go unpunished.

Enat, who now faces raising a child born from her traumatic experience, reflects on her reality with resilience, considering her daughter a 'gift from God' despite the circumstances of her conception. The situation in Amhara continues to evolve, with women's lives irrevocably altered by the violence and conflict that surrounds them.