Watch Now – The Tigray War Through the Experience of Aksum University

Centre of World Christianity – OCP News Service – 26/11/2023

London – UK: In a poignant and eye-opening seminar, Dr. Mewael Berhane, Assistant Professor at Aksum University in Tigray, Ethiopia, delivered a gripping account of the harrowing experiences endured by the academic community and the people of Tigray during the two-year-long conflict that erupted in November 2020.

Speaker Highlights Tigray’s Struggles: Dr. Mewael Berhane shed light on the atrocities committed during the Ethiopian government’s war in Tigray, a conflict marked by mass killings, forceful displacement, ethnic cleansing, unlawful detention, sexual violence, and the use of rape as a weapon of war.

Aksum University’s Ordeal: The seminar highlighted the specific impact on Aksum University, which was not spared from the ravages of war. The university suffered complete looting and damage, with many academic staff losing their lives. Teaching and research activities were brought to a standstill, rendering the institution non-functional during the conflict. Dr. Berhane painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced by Aksum University and emphasized the urgent need for reconstruction.

Religious Institutions in the Crossfire: The Tigray Orthodox Church, along with other religious institutions, also faced significant challenges during the war. The strife led to the Tigray Orthodox Church’s decision to separate from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Addis Ababa, further underlining the deep-seated impact of the conflict on various facets of Tigrayan society.

Rebuilding Tigray: During his talk, Dr. Mewael Berhane discussed the current priorities for rebuilding and overcoming the devastating effects of the violence inflicted upon the people of Tigray. The seminar served as a call to action, urging the international community to contribute to the reconstruction efforts and support the people of Tigray as they strive to rebuild their lives, institutions, and communities.

About Dr. Mewael Berhane: Dr. Mewael Berhane Mengesha, a seasoned academic with a Ph.D. in Geography and Environmental Studies, provided not only a detailed account of the impact of the war but also shared his extensive experience in academia. His diverse roles, including researcher, department head, registrar office head, and quality assurance coordinator, showcase his commitment to the mission of higher education in Ethiopia.

Dr. Berhane’s seminar serves as a crucial step in raising awareness about the ongoing challenges in Tigray and mobilizing support for the reconstruction and recovery of the region.

Source:
OCP News Service