Reports of children as young as eight being sexually assaulted by soldiers in Ethiopia have emerged amidst a crackdown on local militias. Survivors have shared harrowing experiences of widespread sexual violence, with army members breaking into homes to target women and girls.
Enat, a victim of such an attack, recounted soldiers invading her home in South Gondar, Amhara, questioning her family’s interactions with the local militia. Upon confirming their visit, Enat was violently raped, with her eight-year-old niece forced to witness the ordeal. She expressed deep anguish as a virgin who had intended to uphold Orthodox Christian traditions of waiting until marriage.
Similar incidents have affected others like Tigist, who was groped by a soldier two years ago and later gang-raped by three men, including a military member, leaving her traumatized and bedridden for days. Tigist now lives in fear, avoiding leaving her house and suffering emotional distress, leading to the end of her engagement and a suicide attempt.
The prevalence of sexual violence in the region is largely undocumented, with reports indicating a concerning number of assaults, particularly on children. Many survivors remain silent due to safety concerns. Lemlen, another survivor, faced threats and stigma after an assault but chose not to report it, facing severe emotional distress and exclusion from her community.
The unrest in Ethiopia stems from conflicts between the government and regional military groups, leading to a wave of abuses, including sexual violence. International organizations like Amnesty International have called for action to end violence against women and girls, highlighting the urgent need for protection and justice in the country.
For confidential support regarding domestic abuse or mental health issues, helplines and advocacy services are available to provide assistance and guidance to those in need.
