Bodies As Battlefiels: Sexual Violence Against Women In Ethiopia.

Photo by Liz Martin on unsplash.com

Sexual violence has become one of the most severe human rights violations linked to armed conflicts in Ethiopia. Over the past several years, wars and internal fighting in regions such as Oromia, Tigray, and Amhara have exposed women and girls to rape, sexual slavery, and other forms of gender-based violence. Human rights organizations, journalists, and medical researchers have documented widespread abuses carried out by various armed actors. Survivors often face severe physical injuries, psychological trauma, and social stigma, while many cases remain unreported due to insecurity and fear. These crimes have raised serious concerns about accountability and the protection of civilians during armed conflict.

The conflict in Oromia began in 2019 between the Oromo Liberation Army and government forces, including the Ethiopian National Defense Forces. Investigations by Amnesty International documented rape, gang rape, and sexual slavery committed by OLA fighters against women and girls in the Kellem Wallaga zone between 2020 and 2024. Amnesty interviewed ten survivors of gang rape, seven of whom were under 18 at the time of the attacks, and five who were also subjected to sexual slavery. Survivors reported that assaults could last days or weeks, and were often linked to accusations that their families supported government forces. Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa stated that “For seven years, under the cover of darkness caused by a communication and media blackout, fighters in the Oromia region have caused immense suffering on civilians. These repeated abuses are not only horrific but may amount to war crimes”.

Widespread sexual violence has also been documented during the war in Tigray, which began in 2020 between the Ethiopian government, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, the Eritrean army, and regional forces. According to medical research published in Physicians for Human Rights investigations, the conflict led to “widespread and egregious” incidents of sexual violence including rape, gang rape, sexual slavery, sexual mutilation, and torture. A review of 304 medical records from survivors between November 2020 and June 2023 found that most victims were women and girls aged between 8 and 69 years. The findings suggested that these attacks were not isolated incidents, but part of a systematic pattern, indicating the use of sexual violence as a strategy of war. Survivors also suffered severe consequences, including unintended pregnancies and HIV infection, while many delayed seeking medical care for months due to insecurity and stigma. 

Similar patterns have been reported in the conflict in Amhara between Ethiopian government forces and Fano militias. Reports from medical facilities recorded 2,697 cases of rape between July 2023 and May 2025, with victims ranging from 8 to 65 years old. One woman recalled that soldiers entered her home during a search operation and raped her while threatening a family member, stating: “I begged them not to hurt me. I called on the saints and begged them. But their hearts didn't pity me. They violated me”. Experts believe the actual number of cases is likely much higher, since many survivors do not report attacks due to terror and anxiety.

The international community has repeatedly expressed concern about these violations. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on all parties involved in the conflict to respect international law and protect civilians. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has warned that ongoing violence could worsen the already fragile human rights situation and urged restraint and accountability. International investigations have emphasized the need for independent monitoring mechanisms to document violations and preserve evidence of crimes committed during the conflict.

Sexual violence in Ethiopia’s armed conflicts represents a profound humanitarian crisis affecting thousands of women and girls. Evidence from medical research, survivor testimonies, and human rights investigations shows that these crimes have been widespread. Survivors continue to face long-term physical and psychological consequences, while many perpetrators remain unpunished. International organizations and researchers emphasize the urgent need for independent investigations, stronger documentation of abuses, and support for survivors through medical and psychological services. Ensuring justice and accountability remains essential to prevent further violations and protect civilians in Ethiopia’s ongoing conflicts.

written by Giada Renzetti