Before the outbreak of war in Ethiopia in late 2020, a doctor named Mehari was able to commute to her job at a public hospital in Axum. However, the conflict between the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and the federal government led to the shutdown of public transportation, forcing her to walk 40 minutes to work. Following the imposition of a curfew by federal troops, she often left the hospital at the last moment, fearing for her safety. She described the situation as chaotic and traumatic, having witnessed the effects of violence for the first time.
The civil war began amid a backdrop of ethnic tensions in Ethiopia, where various groups sought autonomy. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, elected in 2018, initially brought hope after years of TPLF dominance. However, his government’s actions against Tigrayans, including the removal of their officials and derogatory remarks about the TPLF, escalated tensions. The TPLF's defiance of federal orders and subsequent attacks on military camps led to a swift military response from the government, which included the involvement of Eritrean troops.
The conflict resulted in widespread atrocities, with both sides accused of war crimes. Human Rights Watch documented severe abuses, including mass rapes and extrajudicial killings. The Ethiopian government faced accusations of ethnic cleansing, with significant humanitarian crises emerging in Tigray, where 90% of the population faced famine conditions.
In 2022, a peace agreement was reached, requiring Tigrayan forces to disarm. However, tensions remained high, particularly regarding the presence of Eritrean troops in Tigray. Despite the cessation of hostilities, many Tigrayans continued to feel unsafe and vulnerable.
During a visit to Tigray, the ongoing humanitarian crisis was evident, with many refugees recounting harrowing experiences of violence and displacement. In the neighboring state of Amhara, new conflicts emerged as local militias resisted government efforts to disband them, leading to further violence and instability.
In Amhara, the Fano militia gained prominence, fueled by grievances against the federal government. Many young fighters expressed a sense of empowerment in their roles, while leaders claimed widespread support from the local population. The situation in Lalibela, a historical site, highlighted the impact of the conflict on tourism and local livelihoods.
As tensions escalated, the Ethiopian government faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with calls for accountability and justice for victims of the conflict. Despite international attention, the humanitarian crisis persisted, with reports of ongoing human rights abuses and a lack of effective response from the government.
In September, the U.S. government announced the extension of sanctions against Ethiopia due to the ongoing emergency, reflecting the international community's concern over the situation. The complexities of the conflict, involving multiple ethnic groups and historical grievances, continue to challenge efforts for peace and stability in the region.