The Forgotten Tragedy: Violence and Rape in Ethiopia's Amhara Region

Wed Nov 19 2025 11:42:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the conflict in Ethiopia's Amhara region escalates, countless women suffer horrifying acts of violence and sexual abuse. This report sheds light on the harrowing experiences of victims as they navigate through trauma and fear amidst ongoing turmoil.

In Ethiopia's Amhara region, the conflict between government forces and local militias has resulted in widespread sexual violence, primarily against women. Victims like Enat and Tigist share their traumatic experiences of assault, revealing the broader implications of this ongoing crisis. Reports indicate thousands of cases of rape, creating a public health and human rights emergency.

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 Ethiopian soldiers stormed in one Sunday morning, interrogating her about her family's possible connections to local militias. The situation quickly deteriorated, culminating in her being raped in front of her terrified niece.

Enat's story is not isolated; thousands of other women have reported similar experiences since the conflict erupted between the Ethiopian government and the Fano militia. Data compiled by the BBC highlights a grim reality, with reports of rape spanning from July 2023 to May 2025, affecting victims as young as eight.

As the Ethiopian army conducts searches in the Amhara region in response to the growing rebellion, women find themselves in perilous situations, stripped of safety and dignity. Enat's plight, once female, has left her feeling the burden of trauma profoundly, stating, I begged them not to hurt me... It would have been better if they'd killed me.

The human rights landscape in Amhara is deteriorating, with allegations against both government forces and militia fighters of abuse and violence, prompting widespread international concern. Reports indicate that many women remain silent about their assaults due to fear of stigma or further victimization.

Tigist, another victim, recounts her horrifying experience after rejecting the advances of a soldier, only to be attacked later that night. Her family discovered her unconscious, and she has since been paralyzed by fear of men. Even as health services report a sharp rise in cases of sexual violence, victims continue to hide in the shadows, fearful of repercussions.

Tragically, the social fabric is under siege as mental health issues are on the rise among survivors, many of whom express feelings of hopelessness. As the conflict wages on, women like Lemlem and Enat are left to grapple with their shattered lives as society often turns a blind eye to their suffering.

Despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis, accountability remains absent. Investigations into these abuses are sporadic and ineffective, raising alarms about an emerging pattern of impunity. Activists urge for meaningful action, advocating for justice and support for the survivors of this forgotten war.