Ethiopian bishops ‘weep with those who weep’ amid violence

Catholic bishops in Ethiopia have mourned the victims of recent conflicts in Tigray and called on politicians to stop resorting to violence when faced with problems.

“Our country Ethiopia has gone through different political systems in the past years,” they said. “In these political systems we can’t discuss our problems in unity, brotherhood, and solve them in a way that respects the common interest of all citizens, so we have taken war and power as our only option.”

The bishops also expressed their sadness over fighting in other regions, including Amhara, Afar, Oromia, Benishangul-Gumuz, South Somalia and Gambela, in a statement on 17 October.

“The blood of many citizens has been shed in vain. Many have suffered physical injury and psychological crises. Many have been displaced, generational wealth and property have been destroyed,” said the statement, signed by Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, president of the Ethiopian Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

“Because of this, sadness has knocked on every house. It is still knocking today.”

Last week, Tigray announced three days of mourning in honour of those killed in the two-year war between Ethiopian forces and the rebel Tigray People’s Liberation Front.  Church sources estimate that at least one million people died in the conflict due to direct combat and disease.

“Our Church mourns with those who grieve, and weeps with those who weep,” said the statement.

The bishops’ statement came as millions remained in urgent need of humanitarian aid. People in Tigray, are dying from hunger and related diseases, according to Bishop Tesfaselassie Medhin of Adigrat.

Early in October, the UN and US announced they had resumed aid to refugees in Ethiopia, after suspending deliveries in June, over concerns that the food was being stolen. The agencies are yet to resume full aid to all communities in need.

The bishops urged Ethiopians to learn from their past mistakes, forgive each other, and engage in dialogue over their country’s problems, and make a choice to live in peace rather than war.