Voices from the Frontlines: Women of Ethiopia's Civil War Speak Out

The Legacy of Conflict in Tigray

Ethiopia's Tigray region has become an emblem of suffering, with its people bearing witness to the destructive forces of civil war. In recent years, the region has seen the emergence of female combatants, whose profound experiences shed light on the myriad impacts of war. As tensions rise again, narratives from women like Abeba Amdu and Selam Hailu reflect a desire for peace grounded in their tumultuous histories.

"Both my body and my mind are traumatised," Abeba reflects, revealing the long shadows that war casts on individual lives.

Women on the Frontlines

Abeba Amdu, now twenty-two, entered the conflict as a soldier in 2020, driven by a sense of duty rooted in her family's history. She described the loyalty her parents had for the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and how those narratives of sacrifice influenced her decision to fight. "I was not a believer in war, knowing what my parents went through," she stated, reinforcing the intergenerational trauma that war manifests.

Selam Hailu, another veteran, emphasizes the necessity of fighting back against oppression after witnessing the horrors of conflict. Her story of joining the Tigrayan forces is one of personal upheaval and societal obligation. "Seeing my parents' plight compelled me to act," she recounts, illustrating the holistic impacts of warfare on families.

The Harsh Reality of War

Both Abeba and Selam faced challenges beyond the battlefield—from scarcity of basic necessities to the pervasive sexism within military ranks. Abeba remembered how the thrill of sports she once cherished was replaced by the harsh realities of war: hunger and insufficient supplies became daily obstacles.

The struggle for recognition and the battle against gender-based violence within the military became an additional layer of their already burdensome plight. "No one understands when we are menstruating, and our behaviour changes," Selam voiced her frustration over societal misunderstandings that compound female combatants' experiences.

An Uncertain Future

As peace negotiations falter and tensions resurface, both women express a fear of reliving the horrors they experienced. A recent resurgence in clashes raises alarms, with reports of federal troops confronting Tigrayan fighters, reigniting concerns of a renewed conflict.

Abeba starkly articulated this anxiety: "Right now, I see fear everywhere - the fear of another conflict." She firmly believes that the key to lasting peace lies in dialogue rather than armed conflict: "We have seen that in the end, it is negotiation—not combat—that provides the solution." This sentiment echoes across the voices of countless other soldiers and civilians in Tigray.

Seeking Sanctuary in Peace

In the aftermath of war, the emotional toll on these women cannot be understated. Abeba, now hoping to mentor the next generation of footballers through her initiative "Wegahta," strives to redirect her trauma into something constructive. However, resources have impeded her efforts.

Selam, reflecting on her journey, points to a broader societal fear: "We can see the terror written on everyone's faces," a reality many Tigrayans share in their collective memory of violence and loss. As they grapple with the spectre of renewed warfare, their fight extends beyond the battlefield to encompass a plea for societal change.

"No one needs peace more than we do - we simply cannot afford another sacrifice," Selam concludes, encapsulating the enduring hope and resilience amidst hardship.

Conclusion: The Call for Reflection

These stories from Abeba and Selam provide profound insights into the realities of war and the societal structures that must evolve to foster lasting peace. As we witness the painful legacy of conflict in Tigray, their narratives urge us to reflect on the necessity of dialogue, understanding, and the power of unity. In remembering these voices, we affirm that the lessons from war are most potent when heard from those who live both its burdens and its aspirations.