Reports reveal that soldiers in Ethiopia have been sexually assaulting children as young as eight, while women and girls face widespread abuse amid the military crackdown on local militias. Survivors recount horrifying experiences of soldiers breaking into homes and carrying out large-scale attacks. Enat, a victim of such an assault, recounted how soldiers invaded her home in South Gondar, Amhara, questioning her harshly before brutally raping her as her young niece watched. The surge in sexual violence in the region has brought to light numerous cases, including Tigist, who was assaulted by a soldier and two accomplices on the street, leaving her traumatized and bed-bound for days.
The prevalence of sexual violence in the area is vastly underreported, with only a fraction of survivors coming forward due to safety concerns. Lemlen, another survivor, faced threats from a soldier who assaulted her in her home, leading to her isolation from her community and severe emotional distress. The unrest in Ethiopia stemmed from the government’s attempt to disband regional military groups, triggering a rebellion and allegations of human rights abuses, including sexual violence, from both sides.
Amnesty International and the UN have condemned the army’s actions, urging the Ethiopian government to take immediate steps to end the violence against women and girls. The conflict between the Ethiopian National Defence Force and local militias continues to escalate, with devastating consequences for the most vulnerable members of society.