An exhibition to denounce sexual violence during the conflict in Ethiopia
Displaced women wait during a food distribution organized by the World Food Program (WFP) in the village of Adlale, near the city of Gode, Ethiopia, on April 06, 2022. AFP - EDUARDO SOTERAS
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
As a ceasefire agreement was reached on November 2 aimed at ending the war in the north of the country, humanitarian aid has started to arrive in the Tigray region.
But in this ongoing conflict, she decided to spread the word at an exhibition she presented in Nairobi, Kenya.
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With our correspondent in Nairobi
,
Albane Thirouard
Accompanied by illustrations, the exhibition presents testimonies of survivors of sexual violence in Ethiopia.
Sosina, 21, was raped by an Eritrean soldier.
Bennet, 37, was raped by TPLF soldiers at her home.
"
There has been sexual violence from the beginning of the conflict and committed by all parties
," said Fisseha Tekle, researcher at Amnesty International.
In this exhibition, Amnesty International calls for more justice in
Ethiopia
and does not denounce "
only cases of rape
".
“
In some cases, it was almost sexual slavery.
The victims were detained for long periods.
This violence was also accompanied by extreme brutality with blows or insults.
What we saw may correspond to crimes against humanity and war crimes
,” adds Mr. Tekle.
► To read also: In Ethiopia, two years of bloody war
The NGO therefore calls on the Ethiopian authorities to cooperate with the African Union and the UN to bring justice to the victims because “
the justice process is important for reconciliation.
In the end, these populations will have to live together
,” analyzes Fatuma Ahmed Ali, professor of international relations.
And to add: “
Especially since rape is a weapon that has long-term repercussions on society.
Women become pregnant or may have infections.
There are also the psychological consequences
.
The UN has also already warned of possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the various protagonists in the conflict in Ethiopia.
The exhibition is currently accessible online, but it will also be exhibited in London on November 28 and 29.
►
"I don't know if they realized I was a person" - Survivors of sexual violence in the conflict in northern Ethiopia speak out
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