Surge in Gender-Based Violence in Tigray in Post-War Aftermath

In Tigray, a northern region of Ethiopia, a wave of demonstrations is sweeping through several cities, protesting the alarming rise in violence against women. Since the Pretoria peace agreement in November 2022, which concluded a two-year conflict between Tigray and the central government, gender crimes have surged. Kidnappings, murders, and various forms of abuse have become increasingly common, with women and girls being the primary victims.

Numerous NGOs have initiated an online awareness campaign to combat this crisis. Selamawit Gidey, founder and executive director of the Rise and Shine Empowerment Center, links this disturbing trend directly to the war. According to Gidey, the conflict has left many men with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other forms of trauma. During the war, individuals witnessed extensive violence and killings, and many men who participated as combatants saw their friends die.

Gidey suggests that these traumatic experiences may have left some men unable to control their emotions, resulting in violent behavior. She emphasizes that this is not about revenge but rather a consequence of the inability to manage trauma. Before the war, disagreements between couples could lead to separations handled within the bounds of normalcy. However, the current lack of a robust legal system to hold perpetrators accountable has emboldened criminals to act with impunity.

Gidey calls on authorities to take decisive action against the perpetrators of these crimes. She stresses the need for an efficient legal framework to ensure the safety of women and girls in Tigray, highlighting that it is the government's duty to protect its citizens. The ongoing awareness campaigns and protests underscore the urgent need for a systemic response to curb the rising violence and restore a sense of security in the region.