In Ethiopia, the conflict continues in the province of Tigray. This northern region is still plagued by violence between the former TPLF power on the one hand, the federal army, Eritrean soldiers and Amharic militias on the other. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives and caused significant damage as well.
With our special correspondent in Adwa, Sebastien nemeth
The streets of Adwa are almost deserted. Many stores still have traces of bullets or fires and are now closed. Barakat is a 24-year-old driver. He accuses the Ethiopian and Eritrean military.
“We stay at home because we are afraid to meet soldiers. Factories, companies and hospitals were destroyed. The economy is down. People are hungry and everyone is waiting for humanitarian aid that does not reach “, the young man complains.
The residents who have not fled do what they can to survive. Salam is 20 years old and sells coffee on the streets. “I had a café in the next town but it was looted by the soldiers. I had nothing left and I was afraid to stay there. So I came to Adwa. But life is tough. There is no more work, no more banks and there is a shortage, he testifies.
Most health centers in the region have been destroyed. Adwa had two hospitals. The public was attacked and looted. The other private is not available to everyone. Residents like Gebremariam, 78, are without a solution.
“The health center in my village was destroyed. The general hospital is closed here. The private hospital is too expensive. It is a strategy for the population to suffer. If I get sick today, I will die, the old man explains.
According to experts, 70% of the health centers in Tigray have been looted, 30% damaged. Only 16% would be functional.
► Also listen: Ethiopia / Tigray: the underside of a war behind closed doors
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