The Lingering Shadows of War: Berhane Haile's Journey Post-Conflict in Tigray

In the aftermath of the civil war in Tigray, Ethiopia, 16-year-old Berhane Haile faced life-changing injuries after stepping on an unexploded ordinance while returning from school. His story highlights the ongoing threat of leftover munitions, the challenges faced by victims in the region, and the struggle for a return to normalcy amidst a fragile peace.

In a remote village in Tigray, Ethiopia, the remnants of civil war continue to haunt residents like 16-year-old Berhane Haile. Earlier this year, while walking home from school, Berhane inadvertently encountered a piece of unexploded ordnance, leading to a tragic explosion that resulted in the amputation of his left leg and significant injuries to his hands. Recapping the harrowing incident, he stated, “The explosion threw me away backwards. There was blood everywhere.”

After the incident, it took two hours of being carried over challenging terrain by his father and neighbors to reach the nearest hospital in Adwa, where medical personnel managed to save his life. Unfortunately, the extent of his injuries necessitated the removal of his leg, although Berhane has since received a prosthetic leg and support from humanitarian organizations. He now resides in Adwa with a sister, as returning to Seyabo, their mountainous village, presented daunting challenges due to his mobility issues.

The explosion Berhane encountered is starkly representative of the broader situation in Tigray, where remnants of war litter the countryside following a brutal two-year conflict ending in November 2022. The civil war saw local Tigrayan forces battling Ethiopian and Eritrean troops, resulting in an estimated half a million deaths and mass displacement. Despite a peace deal, unexploded munitions, including grenades and artillery shells, still pose significant threats to civilians, particularly children.

Berhane's story is not unique. The Red Cross reports that since 2023 alone, it has assisted nearly 400 victims of similar accidents, a figure the organization warns is likely just a fraction of the actual numbers. The community is grappling with the pervasive danger of ordnance, and local authorities struggle to coordinate extensive clearance operations due to limited resources and support from higher officials.

In an environment where fear and uncertainty still reign, Berhane’s resilience shines through. Although his aspirations of being a farmer have been dashed, he is determined to pursue education, setting his sights on becoming a civil servant—in a bid to help others in his community. As Berhane shares, “Sometimes I get angry, but other times I realize I am still alive and feel grateful."

His transition into a new life far removed from the echoes of gunfire that once rang through the mountains embodies the struggles many face in post-war Ethiopia. Families, including Berhane’s, continue to reckon with the losses suffered during the conflict, but like Berhane, they hold onto hope for a future filled with stability and opportunity.