Tens of thousands of Tigrayan women have reported brutal wartime sexual violence by Ethiopian and Eritrean soldiers, including gang-rape and the insertion of foreign objects like rusted screws, nails, and plastic rubbish into their uteruses. This systematic abuse, which began shortly after the war started in November 2020, is designed to destroy their fertility, an act considered genocide under international law. Survivors face severe physical and psychological trauma, stigmatization, and a lack of access to medical and psychological assistance due to destroyed facilities, threats from soldiers, and aid cuts. Justice remains elusive, with Eritrea denying allegations and Ethiopia's transitional justice process facing criticism for failing to hold perpetrators accountable.
Rusted screws, metal spikes and plastic rubbish: the horrific sexual violence used against Tigray’s women
Global developmentSexual violenceEthiopiaEritreaAfricaWomen's rights and gender equalityWorldWar crimesHuman rightsReproductive rights
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Tens of thousands of Tigrayan women have reported brutal wartime sexual violence by Ethiopian and Eritrean soldiers, including gang-rape and the insertion of foreign objects like rusted screws, nails, and plastic rubbish into their uteruses. This systematic abuse, which began shortly after the war started in November 2020, is designed to destroy their fertility, an act considered genocide under international law. Survivors face severe physical and psychological trauma, stigmatization, and a lack of access to medical and psychological assistance due to destroyed facilities, threats from soldiers, and aid cuts. Justice remains elusive, with Eritrea denying allegations and Ethiopia's transitional justice process facing criticism for failing to hold perpetrators accountable.
Trending- 1 1990s: Bitter border disputes between Tigray and Eritrea.
- 2 November 2020: Tigray War began; Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed sent army to oust TPLF, joined by Eritrean forces and Amhara militias.
- 3 November 25, 2020: Tseneat attacked by six soldiers in Zalambessa.
- 4 Months following Nov 2020: Ethiopia imposed blockade on Tigray, prohibited foreign journalists, stopped aid; reports of human rights abuses emerged.
- 5 November 2022: Ceasefire signed between Tigrayan leaders and Ethiopian government.
- 6 2023: Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki dismissed allegations as 'fantasy'.
- 7 2023: UN-backed probe into abuses disbanded.
- 8 Post-ceasefire: Research shows continued sexual violence by security forces; Eritrean soldiers continue to occupy parts of Tigray and commit violations.
- 9 Ongoing: Survivors like Tseneat, Alana, Hana, Esther still waiting for justice, medical care, and psychiatric aid.
- Tens of thousands of Tigrayan women subjected to brutal sexual violence and gang-rape.
- Intentional destruction of fertility and prevention of births among Tigrayan women.
- Severe physical injuries including internal damage, chronic pelvic pain, infertility, perforations, disfigurement, and acid burns.
- Profound psychological trauma, PTSD, suicidal ideation, and chronic suffering for survivors.
- Stigmatization of rape survivors leading to avoidance of medical care and disclosure.
- Significant number of deaths among women due to initial attacks or complications from injuries.
- Lack of justice and accountability for perpetrators, with allegations dismissed and investigations hampered.
- Disbandment of UN-backed probe into abuses, hindering accountability efforts.
- Continued sexual violence by security forces even after the official ceasefire.
- Escalating hunger crisis in Tigray due to blockade and aid restrictions.
- Estimated 300,000 to 800,000 civilian deaths from violence or starvation.
- Reduced access to medical and psychological assistance for survivors due to destroyed facilities, threats, and aid cuts.
- Risk of the Tigray region toppling into civil war again due to rising tensions.
- Long-term physical and psychological effects on child survivors like Esther.
What: Tens of thousands of Tigrayan women have been subjected to brutal sexual violence, including gang-rape and the insertion of foreign objects (rusted screws, nail clippers, plastic rubbish, nails, sand, gravel, letters) into their reproductive organs. This violence is systematic and intended to destroy fertility, explicitly stated in notes left by rapists. Survivors suffer severe physical injuries (e.g., perforations, chronic pain, infertility, disfigurement, acid burns) and profound psychological trauma (PTSD, suicidal ideation). There is a significant lack of justice and accountability for perpetrators, particularly Eritrean soldiers, and concerns about the efficacy of Ethiopia's transitional justice process. Aid cuts from the US and UK are further limiting access to crucial medical and psychological support for survivors.
When: The violence began shortly after the Tigray War started in November 2020. Tseneat's specific attack occurred on November 25, 2020. A ceasefire was signed in November 2022. Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki dismissed allegations in 2023, the same year a UN-backed probe into abuses was disbanded. Sexual violence by security forces has continued unabated post-ceasefire. The article was published on June 30, 2025.
Where: The events primarily occurred in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, including specific locations like Zalambessa (eastern Tigray), Mekelle (Tigray's largest hospital, Ayder, and a clinic run by nuns), Adwa, Adi Berak (military base), and Kafta (rural area near the Eritrean border). The conflict involves forces from Ethiopia and Eritrea. Aid cuts impacting survivors originate from the United States and the United Kingdom. Helplines for support are mentioned in the UK, US, and Australia.
Why: The primary motivation for the sexual violence, as explicitly stated in notes left by perpetrators, is to destroy the fertility of Tigrayan women and prevent births, with the intention of wholly or partly destroying the ethnic group, which constitutes genocide under international law. This is also linked to vengeance for bitter border disputes with Tigray in the 1990s. The war itself began when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent the army to oust the Tigray People's Liberation Front, alleging it was a threat to national security. The systematic nature of the violence suggests it was condoned by military hierarchies. Justice is lacking due to denial by Eritrean leadership, Ethiopia's efforts to defund international probes, and the stigmatization of survivors, compounded by threats from soldiers against those seeking help and aid cuts from international donors.
How: The violence was perpetrated through gang-rape by Ethiopian and Eritrean soldiers, often involving the insertion of foreign objects (screws, nails, plastic, etc.) into women's reproductive organs, sometimes while the victims were unconscious. Other brutal methods included physical beatings, kicking, injection of substances, mutilation with scissors, disfigurement with acid, wrapping in plastic and setting on fire, and shooting in the genitals. Women were held captive and repeatedly raped at military bases. The conflict was characterized by a blockade on Tigray, prohibition of foreign journalists, and cessation of aid. Medical notes were destroyed, and healthcare workers were threatened to hide the crimes. Accountability has been undermined by Eritrean denial, Ethiopia's push to defund UN probes, and a criticized 'transitional justice' process. Aid cuts from the US and UK have further reduced support for survivors.