The Hidden Crisis: Sexual Violence in Ethiopia's Amhara Region

Wed Nov 19 2025 19:53:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amidst the conflict between the Ethiopian army and Fano militias in the Amhara region, women face unprecedented levels of violence, with thousands of reports of sexual assault and trauma overwhelming healthcare facilities.

In Ethiopia’s Amhara region, the ongoing conflict has led to widespread sexual violence against women. Reports indicate thousands of incidents involving assaults by soldiers, with victims ranging from young children to the elderly. The crisis has prompted fears of a public health emergency as many victims remain untreated, suffering from trauma and stigmatization. This comprehensive report sheds light on the untold stories behind these statistics, focusing on survivors' experiences and the profound societal impact of this humanitarian atrocity.

The Hidden Crisis: Sexual Violence in Ethiopia's Amhara Region

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 the soldiers came one Sunday morning. The Ethiopian army was conducting home searches in the Amhara region amid a crackdown on local militias. Enat's world shattered when three men in uniform entered her home, and soon she was the victim of a horrific act — raped in front of her crying niece.

The trauma of conflict in the Amhara region has revealed a shocking epidemic of sexual violence. Thousands of women, including girls as young as eight, report having been sexually assaulted since the violence escalated between the Ethiopian army and local Fano militias in August 2023. Health facilities in the area have seen alarming data, with many young victims testing positive for sexually transmitted infections.

The conflict's violence has been compounded by a lack of independent media access, making accurate documentation of these abuses challenging. Interviews reveal deep psychological scars and societal stigma affecting survivors like Enat, Tigist, and Lemlem, who face enduring trauma from their experiences.

The Widespread Impact of Sexual Assaults

Detailed investigations by the BBC indicate that sexual violence has surged amid the chaos, with an analysis of reports showing nearly 2,700 cases documented in just a fraction of health facilities surveyed. Many incidents go unreported due to stigma and lack of legal recourse.

Healthcare providers have described victims arriving in a state of fear and shock, often hesitant to disclose their attackers due to the personal and social repercussions. This culture of silence exacerbates the health crisis in the region, raising concerns about a potential rise in HIV infections and mental health issues.

The international outcry has been met with little action as allegations of impunity for the military persist. The Ethiopian government has yet to hold accountable those responsible for these human rights abuses, leading organizations like Amnesty International to voice concerns over systemic injustice.

As the conflict continues, the need for support systems for survivors and accountability mechanisms for perpetrators remains critical in changing the narrative of violence against women in Ethiopia.

Survivors' stories, while harrowing, illuminate the resilience of women in a region facing profound strife. Enat, despite her experiences, has chosen to embrace her child as a gift, navigating a complex reality in a society that often appears unforgiving toward victims of sexual violence.