Forgotten War, Shattered Lives: Sexual Violence Devastates Women in Ethiopia

Published: 19 November 2025 Wednesday . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

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 soldiers came on a quiet Sunday morning. The Ethiopian army was conducting searches of homes in the Amhara region on 5 January this year, as part of a broader crackdown against local militias known as Fano. Enat, a 21-year-old woman, recalls the fear that consumed her in those first moments, the sense of helplessness as three men dressed in military uniform forced their way into her life and home.

The soldiers immediately began asking questions about her family background and whether Fano fighters had visited the beer hall where she worked. The Fano are loosely organized local fighters, largely made up of civilians from the region, who oppose what they see as the federal government’s growing encroachment in Amhara. Enat says she could not lie. “How could we lie? How can we hide the truth?” she asks, her voice quivering as she recounts the ordeal.

According to Enat, the soldiers quickly escalated from questioning to violence. They insulted her and threatened her young niece with a gun when the child began crying. Then the unthinkable happened. One of the soldiers raped Enat in front of her niece while the others stood guard, preventing anyone from intervening. “I begged them not to hurt me. I called on the saints and begged them. But their hearts didn’t pity me. They violated me,” she says, her hands trembling at the memory.

Enat’s story is far from isolated. Humanitarian organizations and human rights monitors have documented a widespread pattern of sexual violence in Ethiopia’s northern regions, where women have been targeted by soldiers and militias alike. These attacks are often carried out with impunity, leaving survivors traumatised, physically injured, and socially isolated. For many, the violence is compounded by the stigma surrounding sexual assault, particularly in conservative communities where victims may be blamed or shunned.

Enat describes the aftermath of the assault as overwhelming. She felt a deep sense of shame and fear, unsure of how to seek help in a community where discussing sexual violence is taboo. She also struggled to care for her niece, who witnessed part of the attack. “It has affected her too,” Enat says. “She asks why people do such things. I don’t know how to answer her.”

Medical assistance, when it is available, is often limited, particularly in rural areas of Amhara. Survivors may face long waits for treatment, counselling, or forensic services. Enat eventually sought medical care, but she describes the process as emotionally and physically taxing. She remains haunted by nightmares and anxiety, finding little comfort in the world around her.

Experts warn that such violence is not only a symptom of conflict but also a deliberate tactic of war. Sexual assault has been used in Ethiopia as a tool to intimidate communities, displace populations, and undermine resistance to armed forces. International law classifies rape and sexual violence in conflict as war crimes and crimes against humanity, yet accountability remains minimal. Many perpetrators are shielded by their positions in military hierarchies or local militias, leaving survivors without legal recourse.

Human rights groups have repeatedly called for investigations into these atrocities. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented numerous cases of sexual violence, extrajudicial killings, and forced displacement in the Amhara and Tigray regions. Both organizations have stressed the need for the Ethiopian government and international partners to act decisively to protect civilians and prosecute perpetrators.

Enat’s experience illustrates the profound psychological toll of living under such threats. The fear of being targeted again is constant. She expresses feelings of hopelessness, admitting that in the immediate aftermath, she sometimes wished she had been killed rather than endure the trauma. “It would have been better if they’d killed me,” she says, tears welling in her eyes. “At least then, I wouldn’t have to live with this memory.”

The international community has struggled to respond effectively. While some humanitarian aid and peacekeeping initiatives exist, access is limited by ongoing conflict, bureaucratic obstacles, and the complexity of local political dynamics. Aid workers report that many women remain trapped in unsafe areas, unable to seek medical or psychological help. In addition, reporting mechanisms are often inaccessible or intimidating for victims who fear reprisal.

Despite these challenges, Enat and other survivors are advocating for awareness and justice. She has begun speaking anonymously to human rights organizations, sharing her story in the hope that it may contribute to broader efforts to document and prevent sexual violence in conflict. “I want people to know what is happening,” she says. “It’s not just my story. There are many women suffering in silence.”

Her testimony also underscores the need for comprehensive support for survivors. Beyond legal accountability, women affected by sexual violence in Ethiopia require medical care, psychological counselling, and social reintegration services. Community-based programs that reduce stigma and provide safe spaces are essential to help survivors rebuild their lives.

The Ethiopian conflict continues to evolve, with civilians caught in the crossfire. Enat’s story is a stark reminder of the human cost of war, particularly for women and children. As international bodies call for accountability and humanitarian relief, it remains uncertain how many more lives will be shattered before meaningful intervention occurs.

For Enat, healing is a long and difficult journey. Yet she remains determined to speak out, bearing witness to the violence inflicted upon her and countless others. “I cannot erase what happened,” she says. “But if sharing my story can help even one woman, then it is worth it.”

The forgotten war in Ethiopia is leaving scars that will endure for generations. Women like Enat endure not only the immediate violence of conflict but also the lasting trauma that affects their families, communities, and the broader social fabric. Without urgent attention, these patterns of abuse and impunity will continue to destroy lives, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s future.

The international community, humanitarian agencies, and governments must prioritize protection for vulnerable populations, enforce accountability for perpetrators, and ensure survivors receive the care and support they desperately need. For Enat and countless other women, recognition, justice, and healing cannot come soon enough.