"Exploding Hope: The Aftermath of War in Tigray"

In a remote village in Tigray, northern Ethiopia, the remnants of war are starkly evident as communities grapple with the haunting aftermath of a brutal civil conflict. Berhane Haile, a 17-year-old, is among those affected; he stepped on an unexploded ordnance while walking home from school, resulting in the loss of his left leg. “The explosion threw me away backwards. There was blood everywhere. People heard the sound and came rushing,” he recounted, describing the horrific scene of that day. The agile trek back to the nearest hospital in Adwa took his distraught father and local villagers two arduous hours over treacherous hilly terrain, ultimately saving his life but resulting in the amputation of his leg and injuries to his hands.Tigray, which was devastated by a two-year civil war that deviated into a humanitarian crisis, is riddled with dangerous remnants of the conflict. These explosive remnants, primarily grenades and shells left by fighters, present a lethal threat to civilians as they navigate their daily lives. Despite the peace deal achieved two years ago, there are still casualties, particularly among children who are often victims of these unexploded devices.Berhane’s story is not isolated. The Red Cross reports nearly 400 victims of such explosions in 2023 alone. The warning signs are apparent in some villages, with stones painted red to indicate danger, but many remain unmarked, leaving locals in peril.The humanitarian effort to clear these munitions is hindered by limited resources and support. Local police chief Hadush Gebremedhin acknowledges the challenges, citing insufficient bomb disposal experts and the risks of improperly stored explosives. Recently collected munitions await proper disposal, posing a constant danger to nearby communities.Amidst these hardships, there lies a glimmer of hope for Berhane. With the assistance of a humanitarian organization, he received a prosthetic leg, enabling him to continue his education in Adwa alongside one of his sisters. Though he no longer envisions a future as a farmer, his determination to persevere shines brightly as he intends to pursue a career as a civil servant.“I sometimes feel angry, but I often feel grateful to be alive,” Berhane reflects on his situation, embodying resilience in the face of adversity. As Tigray begins to reclaim some semblance of normalcy, the urgent need for comprehensive clearance of unexploded ordnance and support for victims remains critical in this war-torn region.