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This is the shocking message I received from Teka (name changed for security reasons) an Ethiopian social worker I have known for over 5 years.
I feel Teka's words speak for himself:
" First of all I want to say thanks to God. Next I want to pass my greetings after a long time lost due to the civil war in Tigray. It is your pray that saves us from the worst war.
The war started on November 2, 2020 (night ) suddenly. Since then every thing is closed including Bank, telephone, electricity, internet, water, airplane transport and all other movements from place to place were restricted or closed. So, nothing was entering to Mekelle (especially food commodities).
The war was helped by drone, airplane and by heavy weapons such as rockets & missile. The war was focusing on destroying the ethnicity of Tigray (a semi genocide).
The Ethiopian army was helped by Eritrean force, UAE and all the other regions of Ethiopia.
The first airplane bombing was performed on the factory where I am working. Currently, this factory is completely closed. The other attacks were in Mekelle city, as a result I forced to send my family to village about 23km far from Mekelle. We stayed there in a church for a month.
We were in a very bad situation (we passed very challenging time both economically & psychologically). It is very simple to talk this history (situation). It affects us in all aspects, every body was not ready the war started suddenly, and everything rise by almost from 300 - 500% on top of this, basic commodities finished easily in the town.
No clinics, hospitals service, and even my kid didn't get 6 month vaccination (vitamin A), water for drinking, most shops & pharmacies were stolen by Eritrean force who come with the Ethiopian army.
In Mekelle and it's surrounding several females are abused by the group of military. Many civilian youths are killed, it is not to pick their body especially in The villages. There was a strong battle around, the town is almost destroyed. during the bombing of heave guns almost all people's are migrated to different villages.
Parents are suffering from their kids or children cruel killing by the military. Mothers get birth at home, no ambulance service, some are dying due to excess blooding.
The bombing in Mekelle was very bad , many people killed and their bodies were mixed up and buried together.
With the help of God, I will meet you with photos and videos after the internet is functional.
Currently we are surrounded by military or troops of the central government. People who have money are buying and storing all food commodities.
They registered us for emergency relief but not yet practical and it seems nominal.
In general it is very terrible to talk about this issue. It was really very difficult time.
Now i am jobless, no salary yet, the city is not completely stable, we feel insecure & we are living under a command post. This is just to inform you how sever I am passing.
Currently in our region there is no internet service as a result we couldn't meet via the social medias for long time.
What about the pandemic Corona? I hope you all are fine.
With Best Regards!!!
Teka.
I am sure you agree that the situation is untenable and we can all do something to ease the vulnerability of this community. Teka is well respected within the community due to his profession and is a devout Christian. We want to raise money to secure the short term survival of these villages as well as guarantee some long term prospects. I urge you to be generous at this difficult time.
The fundraising platform will take 2.9% + 25p per donation and all other monies will go directly to Mekelle, to be distributed among those in need.
To have more context please read this article:
