War Veterans' Struggle: From Football to Frontlines

0:00This is Corey, and here's what's making news across the globe right now. Abeva Amdu was a promising young football striker in Tigray, playing for her local team since age 7. But in 2020, Ethiopia's Civil War pulled her from the pitch to the front lines as a soldier with Tigran forces. The two-year conflict killed around 600,000 people and left survivors like her, deeply scarred. The war pitted Tigran fighters against Ethiopia's Federal Army and Airtrea. It stemmed from tensions after Prime Minister Abbi Ahmed took power in 2018, ending to Grand Dominance. A peace deal ended the fighting in 2022, but rebuilding has been tough for many women who joined up. These women, including lawyers Salam Hailu and lecturer Rawa Gebermedin, left stable lives behind. Salam, a mother of two, fought after hearing of atrocities like sexual violence. Rawa, just starting her career, was shocked by killings and destruction. They faced hunger, harsh training, and even sexism from their own ranks.

1:02Back home, trauma lingers. Abeva struggles with anger, isolation, and can't regain her football focus, despite mentoring young players briefly. Salam and Rawa deal with post-traumatic stress, feeling numb and daily life and jobs. Many argue with family and quit work amid unhealed wounds. Tensions simmer again with recent clashes, drone strikes, and accusations between sides over border areas and funds. These veterans fear renewed war most, urging negotiation over combat, as people hort supplies and flee in panic. Peace remains fragile. The Daily News Now is grateful to our sponsor for today's episode. Comfort you can hear. Sound you can relax into. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com.