Ethiopian Conflict: A Silent Epidemic of Violence Against Women in Amhara

Wed Nov 19 2025 11:02:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the conflict between the Ethiopian army and local militias escalates, women in the Amhara region suffer the devastating impacts of sexual violence and assault, leading to a widespread humanitarian crisis.

Since the resurgence of conflict in the Amhara region of Ethiopia in 2023, thousands of women have reported instances of sexual violence and assault, often at the hands of government soldiers. Victims share heartbreaking testimonies of their experiences, highlighting a grim reality for women caught in the crossfire of a brutal war, where their suffering is often overlooked amid the chaos. Reports indicate a worrying trend of systemic sexual violence, exacerbated by inadequate medical responses and a culture of silence that prevents many from seeking help or justice.

A recent report sheds light on the horrifying experiences of women in the Amhara region of Ethiopia amidst ongoing conflict. The report details accounts from victims like Enat, a 21-year-old who was brutally raped in front of her eight-year-old niece by soldiers conducting searches in her home. As the military cracks down on local militias known as Fano, women have become increasingly vulnerable to sexual violence, with thousands of reported cases since the onset of the conflict in August 2023.

Data collected by the BBC indicates that a staggering number of assaults have gone unreported due to fear of stigma and retribution. In a crisis where the marriage traditions of the Amhara community are upheld, victims, like Lemlem and Tigist, share their harrowing tales of assault, bringing forth a narrative of despair and violation.

Healthcare providers in the region report an alarming rise in the number of victims seeking treatment, often too intimidated to disclose their attackers' identities or pursue justice. Many fear for their lives and well-being, facing a breakdown in law and order caused by the ongoing conflict.

The testimony of these women highlights the urgent need for recognition and action against systemic sexual violence and calls for a reconsideration of the rights and protections afforded to vulnerable populations during conflicts.