Ethiopia (MNN) — The committee behind the Nobel Peace Prize admonished the Prime Minister of Ethiopia for the civil war still raging in his country. Abiy Ahmed won the award in 2019 for bringing peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
However, starting in November 2020, Ethiopia’s government began military operations against the northern Tigray region, invading and completely cutting it off from the outside world. Eritrean soldiers also entered the region, attacking refugee camps and even churches. They also repatriated some refugees who had fled Eritrea into the Tigray region. Eritrea has often been called the “North Korea of Arica” due to its oppressive regime.
Ethiopia has not allowed humanitarian aid into the Tigray region since June of last year, and thousands face famine and starvation.
Tigray Christians
Tigray refugees have fled to Ethiopia’s capital of Addis Ababa, including numerous Christians. Eric Foley with The Voice of the Martyrs Korea says, “We’re in communication with Pastor T on a regular weekly basis. On the one hand, T lets us know that it’s a very unsafe situation for them in Addis Ababa. Because the Tigray people are, of course, viewed with a lot of suspicion there. On the other hand, Pastor T is doing what he’s always done, which is to take care of refugees.”
“Even though he is himself a refugee now, he’s organized three different ministries.”
Pastor T and his church members regularly feed 600 refugee kids a day. Ten new churches have sprung up among the refugees, and many people have found faith in Jesus. Pray their love would overcome the prejudice of their neighbors.
Also, pray for peace in Ethiopia. Foley says, “The Prime Minister of Ethiopia was regarded really as a man of peace up until this conflict started. Let’s pray that God’s Spirit rests upon him and gives him a heart even for his enemies.”
The header photo shows Tigray Christians in Addis Ababa. (Photo courtesy of The Voice of the Martyrs Korea)
