Ethiopia's future depends on healing the invisible trauma of war

While physical devastation is often measured, the deeper agony of shattered families, displaced communities, and broken livelihoods often goes unaddressed. The article emphasizes that war's psychological impact, including trauma, depression, anxiety, and loss of identity, can endure for generations and must be a central part of any peacebuilding effort. Mental and psychological wounds are often overlooked in humanitarian crises, but their impact is profound, leading to chronic distress, PTSD, and a loss of dignity, especially for agrarian communities whose identities are tied to their land.

The limited mental health infrastructure in Ethiopia exacerbates this crisis. The article also highlights the underreported issue of sexual violence in conflict, which leaves survivors with lifelong physical and psychological trauma, often compounded by stigma and lack of support. The destruction of health systems during war leads to preventable deaths from chronic illnesses and lack of essential care.

Furthermore, conflict erodes Ethiopia's social fabric, fracturing traditional support networks like Equb and Edir. Children are particularly vulnerable, losing education, routine, and safety, increasing their risk of exploitation and permanent educational loss. The article proposes four priorities for national he