In brief
Berhane Haile, a 16-year-old from Tigray, lost his leg due to an explosive left over from the region's devastating civil war, highlighting the persistent threat of unexploded munitions. Despite the odds, he strives for a brighter future, focusing on education.
Berhane Haile was just an ordinary schoolboy navigating the mountainous regions of Tigray, Ethiopia, when his life was irrevocably altered by an explosion early this year. The 16-year-old had inadvertently stepped on a piece of ordnance that exploded, causing severe injuries that resulted in the amputation of his left leg and damage to his hands. In the chaos, he was rushed by his father and villagers for two relentless hours to a hospital in Adwa, where medical staff saved his life.The remnants of a brutal civil war that raged until November 2022 leave Tigray's communities haunted by unexploded munitions. As per the African Union, the conflict led to as many as half a million fatalities and widespread displacement, creating dependence on humanitarian aid for many. Even after the peace agreement, the threat of unexploded ordnance remains, with Berhane becoming one of many victims. In the aftermath, the Red Cross reported that nearly 400 victims have experienced injuries from inadvertent explosions in 2023 alone, a statistic they deem only a glimpse into the crisis.Residents have developed makeshift warning systems to alert others of the dangers posed by explosives. While some local police are struggling to clear the area of these deadly remnants, resources remain severely limited. The fear that accompanied the war’s violence is slowly being replaced by hope, as basic services like electricity and internet connectivity are being restored.Despite the substantial physical and emotional toll following his injury, Berhane shows resilience. After receiving a prosthetic leg, he moved to Adwa to continue his education, as navigating the mountainous terrain of his home village became prohibitively challenging. His dreams of farming—continuing his father's legacy—are sadly no longer viable. Instead, Berhane aspires to become a civil servant, focusing on education to secure a better future for himself and his family.As Berhane reflects on his tumultuous journey, he grapples with emotions ranging from anger to gratitude for his survival. His determination demonstrates not only personal strength but also the collective resilience of a community striving to heal from deep scars and build a hopeful future amid ongoing challenges.
