the conflict in Tigray forces children to beg
It has been almost seven months since the conflict began in Tigray, a province in northern Ethiopia. Abuse of civilians as well as clashes between federal Ethiopian troops, Eritrean forces and Amhara’s militias on the one hand and rebels favorable to Tigray’s previous power on the other have left thousands dead. The war reduced the economy and impoverished the population. Now, everywhere on the roads of Tigray, children are begging along the roads.
With our special envoy, back from Tigray, Sebastien nemeth
They are five, between 8 and 18 years old. With their shovels, they fill the holes in the road with sand and in exchange ask for money from the drivers who pass by. “The shops are closed, people have fled. It’s hard at home. So I’m trying to get some money back to buy food. We meet around 06:00 and we are there until 18:00. Schools are closed due to the war. So we have nothing else to do, ”testifies Alamnugus, a former member of the group.
With each vehicle, the children stop and wave to the driver in hopes of some money. This hard work is not without danger either. “We start early. Sometimes large stones need to be removed. It is tiring, especially when the sun is strong. But any amount of money can save our lives. Except when the military comes by. We are not asking for anything there. We are too afraid of them because they kill people “, explains 16-year-old Abel.
One dollar
At the end of the day, children sometimes manage to raise a dollar. Aragawi is a driver. It makes him sad to see these young people begging. “It makes me sad and angry. They should be in school but due to the conflict all schools are closed. Children should not be forced to do this. But unfortunately they have no choice, he said upset.
Today, more than 90% of Tigray’s people need humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations. According to observers, only an end to the conflict can improve the situation.
Read also: Ethiopia: a critical humanitarian situation with the war in Tigray
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