In Ethiopia, the Tigray War continues. Federal forces, especially supported by Eritrean troops, launched a large-scale military operation in November 2020. The soldiers confront the men from the former power in Tigray, TPLF. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives. Several abuses against civilians have been committed. The region is undergoing a serious humanitarian crisis. In the face of this situation, many Tigrayans turn to God. In many places, groups of women practice melelor, collective prayers for the better.
From our special correspondent in Axum, Tigray, Sebastien nemeth
They are about thirty in front of Tsion Santi Mariam Church. Draped in their gabi, the traditional white cotton blanket, they turn in circles, bare feet, reaching out. Asgaharia comes from a nearby village. “We ask the Virgin Mary to end the conflict, to bring justice. We pray that it will make our lives safer. We do this because there is no peace. We are afraid. Our children do not go to school. Violence destroys the region. This is how we are. After prayers we feel better, we feel hope. We know Marie is listening. And at least we’re alive. ”
Melelas are trained regularly to demand good health, protection or even good harvests. But today’s ceremony is not like the others’ Aksouma was in mourning through one of the bloodiest massacres of the war. Eritrean soldiers are accused of killing more than a hundred people in a matter of days. Abeba lives here. For her, attending the ceremony is not trivial. “I saw my neighbors’ bodies dead on the ground. I was lucky, the Eritreans did not stop at my house. Since the tragedy, everyone has sought refuge in prayer in Axum. We all cried so much. It was such a shock. So we ask God to forgive us and give us His mercy. “
Tomorrow the group will meet in another place. Because seven months after the beginning of the conflict, the group does not intend to abandon their prayers.
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