Terror in Tigray

YOU CAN’T RUN YOU CAN’T HIDE WE CHARGE YOU WITH GENOCIDE

The Genocide Chronicals TERRORINTIGRAY

We challenge you to confront the stark realities of Tigray's continuing tragedy This zine exposes the systemic violence and displacement, the starvation and ongoing famine, alongside the often-unspoken scourge of sexual violence faced by Tigrayan people and children.

we cannot ignore the pressing humanitarian crisis engulfing Tigray This zine serves as both a chronicle of despair and a call to action, urging us to bear witness to the atrocities and stand in solidarity with those enduring unimaginable hardships in Tigray.

centuries, it has been a cradle of civilization, home to the ancient Aksumite Empire, which once reigned supreme over the Horn of Africa. This empire, which flourished from the 1st to the 7th century AD, left an indelible mark on the region, evidenced by towering obelisks, intricately carved steles, and awe-inspiring rockhewn churches

The Aksumite Empire, with its capital in the city of Aksum (now part of modern-day Tigray), was a thriving center of trade and culture, connecting Africa with the Mediterranean and beyond.

Ark of the Covenant. The rise of Christianity in the 4th century further enriched Tigrayan culture, as evidenced by the myriad churches, monasteries, and religious artifacts that dot the landscape. The region has also been shaped by rich Islamic influences. Tigray's Al-Nejashi heritage site is home to one of the first mosques in the world, built in the 7th century by the companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who fled from religious persecution in Mecca The mosque is named after the Aksumite King who gave them refuge

First Italo-Ethiopian War (1895-1896), Tigrayan forces played a pivotal role in the Battle of Adwa, where Ethiopian troops achieved a historic victory over the Italian army. This decisive battle not only preserved Ethiopia's sovereignty but also marked the first significant defeat of a European colonial power by an African nation. The resistance and strategic prowess of the Tigrayans were instrumental in this victory, symbolizing their enduring commitment to independence . e overthrow of the repressive Derg regime in 1991 heralded a new era of hope and promise. Yet, the transition to democracy under the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) government was fraught with challenges. Tensions simmered between the dominant Tigrayan People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and other ethnic groups within the EPRDF coalition, laying the groundwork for future discord

The Powder Keg

To understand the Tigray conflict, it's imperative to delve into Ethiopia's intricate socio-political landscape.

The TPLF, a prominent political force, dominated Ethiopian politics for nearly three decades until 2018 However, the ascension of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ushered in a wave of political reforms, challenging the TPLF's hegemony. Abiy Ahmed's political reforms were perceived as a direct assault on the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Tigrayan people's rightful place within the Ethiopian political landscape. Abiy's agenda of centralization and power redistribution as a threat to Tigray's autonomy and selfdetermination. The TPLF had championed a decentralized federal system that granted regions significant autonomy over their affairs, including control over resources and governance structures. Tigrayans viewed Abiy's calls for a pan-Ethiopian identity with suspicion, fearing the erasure of Tigrayan culture and identity

The TPLF had long advocated for ethnic federalism as a means of protecting minority rights and ensuring representation for marginalized groups

Abiy's rhetoric of unity and assimilation was perceived as a threat to Tigrayan identity, fueling resentment and resistance among Tigrayan nationalists

Abiy's government of exploited Tigray's resources for the benefit of the central government and allied regions The TPLF had overseen significant economic development in Tigray, including investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and industry However, Abiy's economic reforms, including privatization and deregulation, were seen as a means of enriching central elites at the expense of Tigrayans

The involvement of Eritrean forces in the conflict, in particular, was seen as a blatant act of aggression aimed at crushing Tigrayan resistance and bolstering Abiy's grip on power. Tigrayans saw themselves as the victims of a coordinated campaign of violence and oppression orchestrated by external aggressors and their local collaborators.

The relationship between the TPLF and the central government deteriorated rapidly

One of the key flashpoints was the decision by the federal government to postpone national elections scheduled for August 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The TPLF, which controlled the regional government in Tigray, defied the federal government's authority by conducting its own regional elections in September 2020, furthering tensions

In response, the federal government labeled the TPLF's actions as unconstitutional and declared the regional elections illegitimate Tensions escalated into open conflict in November 2020 when the Ethiopian government launched a full military offensive against the TPLF-led regional forces

Media played a huge role in garnering support for the Ethiopian government against the TPLF and Tigrayan citizens. Statecontrolled media outlets disseminated propaganda and false narratives that demonized Tigrayans, depicting them as enemies of the state and perpetrators of violence

By portraying Tigrayans as a common enemy, Ahmed sought to consolidate power, garner public support for his administration, and justify the brutal crackdown on dissent in the region. The manipulation of the media not only fueled interethnic tensions but also contributed to the escalation of violence and atrocities committed against Tigrayans during the conflict. Ahmed capitalized on existing ethnic tensions and rivalries, leveraging alliances with neighboring regional governments and militia groups to bolster his forces and facilitate the targeting of Tigrayan communities These alliances were forged through promises of power, resources, and impunity. Neighboring regions and militias were mobilized to provide troops, logistical support, and intelligence, effectively widening the scope of the conflict As the conflict unfolded, it became increasingly evident that Ahmed's actions were aimed at achieving political domination at the expense of human lives The collaboration between Ahmed's government and external actors highlights the systematic nature of the violence

Unimaginable Horrors

At midnight, November 4, 2020, Abiy Ahmed declared war, plunging Tigray into darkness. Electricity vanished, internet connections were severed, banking services ceased, and both air and ground transportation came to a halt Every essential service was abruptly cut off, leaving the region isolated and engulfed in uncertainty. Eritrean troops arrived in urban centers with heavy artillery bombardment, prompting residents to flee to the villages for safety. Those found outdoors were immediately killed. Troops conducted aggressive house-to-house searches, executing any remaining inhabitants and leaving their bodies unattended in the streets The pillaging extended to businesses, farms, and crops, while essential infrastructure such as vehicles, factories, medical facilities, schools, hotels, and grain storage facilities were either looted or demolished. Remaining structures deemed useless for looting were destroyed. The troops also stole sheep, goats, and chickens. Three months later, Ethiopian troops did the same Many people, majority women and girls, were violently raped & humiliated There are many accounts of Tigrayan women being tied up and raped for weeks

In an interview featured in the Global Citizen, a Tigrayan woman describes this horror. “For two weeks, they gang-raped me For 14 days they wouldn’t stop, despite my pleas to at least breastfeed my daughter They told me they would kill her too All of us were raped, they would take turns and rape us as a group of three while saying ‘we are cleansing your wombs, now you will have clean babies” The objective of the gang rapes was to ethnically cleanse Tigrayans, This tactic aimed to have irreparable damage reproductive organs, thereby preventing them from bearing children Many women were mutilated by being raped with weapons, suffered infections, and many died from internal bleeding sustained from the injuries of the gang rapes Husbands and sons were forced to rape their mothers and daughters, if they refused they would be immediately killed and the soldiers would proceed to gang rape the women and children If they agreed, the soldiers would film the forced rape and humiliation as propaganda to use against the Tigrayans to justify the violence and killing

According to the average of estimated reports conducted by BMC womens health, (more than 10,000 & about 100,000), 50,000 women experienced rape in Tigray These atrocities reflect a deep-seated hatred and a desire to exterminate the Tigrayan people - by killing, raping, separating families, destroying cultural values, humiliating men, and forcibly sterilizing women The systematic nature of the atrocities aligns with the criteria for genocide as outlined in international conventions and guidelines. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize the rapes in Tigray as a form of genocidal violence, emblematic of the unique horrors perpetrated against the Tigrayan people The Tigrayan war and genocide inflicted a devastating toll on the people of the region While precise figures remain elusive due to restricted access and ongoing conflict, estimates suggest that up to 600,000 of individuals lost their lives Additionally, the conflict triggered a massive displacement and humanitarian crisis, with millions of people forced to flee their homes to refugee camps where many are facing famine today

The scale of death and displacement underscores the urgent need for justice and accountability to address the atrocities committed during the Tigrayan genocide. In June 2021, the Ethiopian government declared a unilateral ceasefire, ostensibly to allow for humanitarian aid delivery and dialogue with the TPLF. However, sporadic fighting and reports of atrocities continued, indicating the enduring fragility of the situation. One of the critical aspects of ceasefire has been addressing the widespread human rights violations International human rights organizations documented numerous atrocities, including mass killings, sexual violence, and the deliberate targeting of civilians. Calls for accountability led to investigations on Human and Peoples' Rights These investigations aimed to document abuses and lay the groundwork for potential prosecutions, either through domestic courts or international mechanisms. As of 2024, the situation in Tigray remains fragile. While large-scale military operations have ceased, sporadic violence and instability persist The humanitarian crisis continues to affect millions of people

The Tigrayan genocide has created a severe humanitarian crisis. In the wake of the violence, the region now faces severe famine and a multifaceted crisis that demands urgent attention and action. The unprecedented loss of life and widespread displacement has disrupted livelihoods, separated families, and left countless people in desperate need of basic necessities. The humanitarian situation is dire. Access to food, clean water, and medical care remains severely limited Reports from humanitarian organizations indicate that the healthcare system in Tigray is on the brink of collapse, with many facilities damaged or destroyed and a severe shortage of medical supplies and personnel

One of the most pressing issues and call for immediate action is the ongoing famine Destruction of farms, livestock, crops, businesses, and manufacturing facilities has left Tigrayans with barely anything to eat. According to the United Nations, hundreds of thousands of people in Tigray are facing famine conditions, with millions more experiencing severe food insecurity Millions

Aftermath

The situation is compounded by the blockade of humanitarian aid, which has prevented food and other essential supplies from reaching those in need. Malnutrition rates, particularly among children, have soared, leading to long-term health consequences and increased mortality rates The famine in Tigray has continued to pile on the psychological trauma experienced by the population, necessitating comprehensive mental health support alongside immediate humanitarian aid.

The psychological impact of the conflict on the Tigrayan population cannot be overstated. The violence and atrocities have left deep emotional scars on survivors, manifesting in widespread trauma, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many survivors report recurring nightmares, severe anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of hopelessness and despair. Traditional social networks, which provided emotional and practical support, have been shattered by the displacement and loss of community cohesion

Families have been separated, with many people unaware of the fate of their loved ones. The loss of community leaders, elders, and social institutions has deprived survivors of critical sources of guidance and support.The targeting of cultural and religious sites during the conflict has struck at the heart of the Tigrayan identity and heritage. The destruction of these sites is not only a loss of physical structures but also a symbolic assault on the community's collective memory and cultural pride. To address these psychological consequences, comprehensive mental health support and trauma healing initiatives are essential. Mental health services must be integrated into the broader humanitarian response to ensure that psychological care is accessible to all who need it. This includes establishing mental health clinics, providing training for local healthcare providers, and ensuring that mental health support is culturally sensitive and tailored to the specific needs of the Tigrayan population The international response to the crisis in Tigray has been marked by a mix of condemnation,

diplomatic efforts, and humanitarian aid pledges However, the Ethiopian government's restrictions on access to the region have made it difficult for international organizations to deliver aid and assess the full extent of the crisis. Sanctions and diplomatic pressure have been applied to encourage a cessation of hostilities and to allow humanitarian access, but these measures have had limited success in bringing about a significant and sustained improvement in the situation on the ground. The involvement of Eritrean troops and regional militias further adds to the complexity of the conflict, making it difficult to achieve a unified and effective response Logistical challenges, such as the destruction of infrastructure and communication networks, have also impeded aid delivery

The aftermath of the Tigrayan genocide and the current famine and crisis present an urgent challenge The international community, together with Ethiopian authorities, government and local citizens, must prioritize humanitarian relief, support recovery efforts

The first and most urgent step is to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the Tigrayan people. The famine has left millions on the brink of starvation, and access to food, clean water, and medical care is critically needed. International organizations, such as the United Nations, World Food Programme, and various NGOs, must intensify their efforts to deliver aid. This requires: Unimpeded Humanitarian Access: The Ethiopian government must allow unrestricted access for humanitarian organizations to deliver aid to all affected areas. International pressure and diplomatic efforts are crucial to ensure that aid reaches those in need without delay or obstruction

Increased Funding and Resources: Donor countries and international financial institutions should increase funding for humanitarian operations in Tigray Adequate resources are essential to scale up food distribution, healthcare services, and shelter for displaced persons

Emergency Medical Support: Establishing temporary clinics and deploying medical teams to provide urgent care, health crisis

A path forward

including trauma treatment, maternal health services, women’s health services and immunizations, is vital. Supplying medical facilities with essential drugs and equipment will help stabilize the health crisis.

Mental Health Services: Integrating mental health services into primary healthcare and establishing specialized trauma centers to provide counseling and psychological support for survivors of violence and sexual assault.

Community-Based Support: Creating safe spaces for survivors to share their experiences and receive peer support.

Training community leaders and volunteers in psychological first aid can help rebuild social networks.

Educational Programs: Implementing educational campaigns to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and sexual violence, encouraging survivors to seek help and fostering a supportive community environment.

Demilitarization and Disarmament: Removing military forces and militias from civilian areas to ensure the safety and security of the population

Long-term recovery in Tigray hinges on rebuilding the region’s infrastructure, revitalizing the economy, and Ensuring accountability for the atrocities committed All while providing sustainable building efforts Key actions include:

Reconstruction of Infrastructure: Rebuilding roads, schools, hospitals, and communication networks is essential for restoring normalcy and facilitating aid delivery International partnerships and investments can support large-scale infrastructure projects

Agricultural Rehabilitation: Reviving agriculture by providing seeds, tools, and livestock to farmers, along with training in sustainable farming practices. Restoring irrigation systems and addressing land degradation are also crucial for food security

Economic Empowerment: Launching microfinance initiatives and vocational training programs to help people rebuild their livelihoods. Supporting small businesses and creating job opportunities will stimulate economic recovery and reduce dependence on aid.

Education and Skills Development: Investing in education to equip the younger generation with skills and knowledge for the future Expanding access to quality education and vocational training is essential for long-term development.

Health System

Strengthening: Building a resilient healthcare system that can withstand future shocks This includes training healthcare professionals, improving health infrastructure, and ensuring a consistent supply of essential medicines.

International Investigations: Supporting the United Nations and other international bodies in conducting thorough investigations into human rights violations. Establishing mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable through international courts if necessary.

End to Ethnic Discrimination and Marginalization: Implementing policies that promote inclusivity, equality, and respect for human rights for all ethnic groups in Ethiopia. Addressing underlying grievances and promoting social cohesion are essential for preventing future conflicts.

More Information

SOURCES

AfricaNews (2024, March 8) Ethiopia’s Tigray Region on brink of famine amidst conflict and climate crisis. Africanews. https://www africanews co m/2024/03/08/ethiopiastigray-region-on-brink-offamine-amidst-conflictand-climate-crisis//

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc (2024, April 25) Tigray Encyclopædia Britannica https://www.britannica.co m/place/Tigray-historicalregion-Ethiopia

Ethiopia - violence in Tigray is causing starvation for millions World Food Program USA (2024, May 8) https://www.wfpusa.org/c ountries/ethiopia/

Gebremichael, M. W., Gebremariam, B., Mitiku, M , Hadush, Z , Tesfay, B , Gerezgiher, A , & Alemu, M G (2023, July 13). Rape survivors’ experience in Tigray: A qualitative study - BMC women’s health BioMed Central. https://bmcwomenshealth. biomedcentral com/article s/10 1186/s12905-023025020#:~:text=Because%20the %20excesses%20had%20n o,reproduction%20throug h%20the%20deliberate%2 0and

Mellse, M (2021, January 26) Fleeing War - a personal experience Omna Tigray. https://omnatigray.org/fle eing-war-a-personalexperience/

Support, T (2022, July 20) Forced human displacement in the tigray genocide. Omna Tigray. https://omnatigray.org/for ced-human-displacementin-the-tigray-genocide/

Tigray conflict. Tigray Conflict | Human Rights Watch (2023, June 1) https://www hrw org/tag/ti gray-conflict

Tigray Overview Omna Tigray (2022, March 24) https://omnatigray org/sli de-deck/tigray-overviewdeck/ igray’s war used women’s bodies as battlefields 3 people shared their stories with me. Global Citizen. (n d ) https://www globalcitizen org/en/content/tigrayviolence-against-womenconflict-stories/

YouTube (2024, February 8). Tigray genocide: Everything you need to know. YouTube. https://www youtube com/ watch?

v=5RGJpnCMXU4&pp= ygUPbmFsZXkgYnkgbm F0dXJl

FURTHER

READING

Understanding Ethiopia's Tigray War Martin Plaut and Sarah Vaughan

War On Tigray: Genocidal Axis in the Horn of Africa

Daniel Berhane

Identity Jilted or ReImagining Identity?: The Divergent Paths of the Eritrean and Tigrayan Nationalist Struggles Alemseged Abbay

Foundations of an African Civilisation: Aksum and the northern Horn, 1000 BC - AD 1300 David W. Phillipson

The Essential Guide to Tigrinya: The Language of Eritrea and Tigray Ethiopia Andrew Tadross, Abraham Teklu

Sweeter Than Honey: Ethiopian Women and Revolution : Testimones of Tigrayan Women Jenny Hammond, Nell Druce , Kebbedesh

Fire from the Ashes: A Chronicle of the Revolution in Tigray, Ethiopia, 1975-1991 Jenny Hammond

ACTION

https://www.amnesty.org/e n/petition/demand-fullhumanitarian-access-intotigray/

https://www.refugeesintern ational.org/reportsbriefs/scars-of-war-anddeprivation-an-urgent-callto-reverse-tigrayshumanitarian-crisis/

https://tdrfund.org/? gad source=1&gclid=Cjw KCAjw9IayBhBJEiwAVuc 3frRlGnnspvtBLYbWifcg DUs8N9DL2dotGK95DT PK9XIJGxtiOEukQRoC UzQQAvD BwE

https://tigrayactioncommit tee.com/

https://www.globalgiving.o rg/projects/tigray-famineand-crisis-relief-fund/

https://www.hpn4tigray.or g/donate-old/

https://www.freetigray.com /donate

https://omnatigray.org/

https://www.worldvision.or g.uk/emergencies/tigraycrisis-appeal/

https://donate.unhcr.org/in t/en/ethiopia-emergency

https://tigraycommunityce nter.org/donations/

https://tigrayyouthnetwork .org/

https://www.makeinjeranot war.com/

https://linktr.ee/DWTegar uFoundation

https://shopkonjo.com/coll ections/konjo-donations