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The bitter fighting continues between the federal government forces and a coalition of rebels groups who are closing on the capital, Addis Ababa. In a personal reflection about the war in Ethiopia, from someone who wants peace, Newsday heard that even talking about peace or negotiation is seen as treachery in the current climate there. An Ethiopian citizen, a resident of Addis Ababa - we have decided to keep her identity secret to protect her.

鈥淚 used to discuss politics with friends prior to this. But as of late I鈥檓 afraid because鈥� you don鈥檛 feel safe. I feel like I don鈥檛 have a shared value with the people I grew up with. People who are pro-peace are pushed to remain silent and to self-censure otherwise you will see it on social media and in real life: people are very much hostile and aggressive to you. The consequences are quite scary, to be honest.鈥�

鈥淚 know that I鈥檝e aged. It鈥檚 such a scary time to be in because I never thought this would come. I cannot believe the people that I know, that I went to school with, the people that were working with me, are supporting the war today in 2021. I feel guilty for surviving. This was such a wrong decision on the part of the men and the leadership of this country鈥� it really makes me sad, what a horrible year it has been. It will take at least 50 years to get back to the Ethiopia we knew prior to this war. Everyone is paying the price for it.鈥�

(Pic: A tank damaged during the fighting between Ethiopia鈥檚 National Defence Force and Tigray Special Forces on the outskirts of Humera town; Credit: Reuters)

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