By Julia Sezov
The war in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia (2020–2022) was one of the bloodiest of this century, resulting in an estimated one million dead or missing and a devastating humanitarian crisis. The conflict halted FFICM’s ministry in the region; when trainers finally returned in November 2025, they found a community with almost no men left. Training attendees were primarily women, many of whom were severely traumatized. Eskinder Alemayehu, our Ethiopian National Director, notes that nearly every family lost at least one person. During the conflict, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) conscripted civilians of all ages—men and women from 15 to 70 years old. Women were forced to fight Ethiopian government forces on the battlefield or prepare food for the army, and many reported severe abuse.
In 1991, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF)—a four-party coalition founded by the TPLF—took power following the Ethiopian Civil War. In 2018, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sought to make peace with Eritrea. Part of his proposal involved surrendering the town of Badme, honoring a 2002 deal but sparking outrage among Tigrayans, many of whom remembered the brutal sacrifices made to keep Eritrea from gaining the town. In 2019, Abiy Ahmed merged the EPRDF parties into a single “Prosperity Party.” The TPLF refused to join and withdrew to Tigray. Tensions peaked when Ethiopia delayed the 2020 general elections due to the pandemic. The TPLF condemned the delay as unconstitutional and held its own regional election. The federal government refused to recognize the results. On November 3, 2020, the TPLF attacked the Ethiopian National Defense Force’s Northern Command headquarters, claiming preemptive self-defense. The government retaliated, sparking a brutal conflict that lasted until November 2, 2022.
Current reports suggest tensions have escalated once again, hindering FFICM’s ability to return to Tigray. Federal troops and equipment are reportedly gathering at the border, while the Tigray military has deployed its own forces. Rumors persist that Tigrayan elements are seeking alliances with Egypt, Sudan, or Eritrea against the federal government. Many civilians are now fleeing not just Tigray, but Ethiopia entirely. Eskinder says it is impossible to predict the outcome. He believes further conflict is pointless, noting that the previous war brought only suffering. While some politicians desire total secession for Tigray, Eskinder observes that the common people simply want peace.
Lydia, a trainee from the November sessions, was captured and abused by Eritrean forces for three months before her release. Even in captivity, she shared her faith; today, she supports other survivors of abuse. Using FFICM materials, she has trained twenty women who call her daily for spiritual guidance and emotional support. Based in Mekele, Lydia recently learned that five young men (ages 15–22) in Adigrat have professed faith in Christ and meet in secret on a mountain to pray. Eskinder notes that it is nearly impossible to be an open believer there, and it remains a mystery who first shared the Gospel with them. Because transportation is expensive and travel on foot is too dangerous, no one from Mekele can currently go to encourage them.
FFICM maintains contact with Lydia and several leaders in Mekele, including Akabom, a church leader who managed to keep 500 training booklets safe throughout the war. He recently reported that the situation is dire: food and water are scarce, and a cash shortage has paralyzed trade. Unpaid government employees, including teachers and doctors, are struggling to help their communities without supplies. Public transport has collapsed due to fuel shortages; black-market fuel is available only at a hundredfold markup. Despite the anxiety and deserted towns, Akabom reports a significant increase in opportunities to share the Gospel. As people look for hope in the ruins, many are responding to the message of Christ.
Prayer Requests
- Akabom: He recently underwent stomach surgery and remains very weak. Please pray for his physical healing and for his wife and children.
- Lydia: She continues her vital ministry primarily by phone but struggles to afford phone credits to stay in touch with her trainees.
- Almaz: A November trainee who has not heard from her husband in years. When Tigray forces came to their door, he surrendered himself to protect her. He vowed he would not fire a single bullet. Pray that Almaz and her young son will finally learn his fate.
- Eskinder and the FFICM Team: Pray for the ability to visit these believers again. They need encouragement, Bibles, and further training to help the growing number of new converts.
- Peace for Ethiopia: Pray for an end to the current tensions and that no further blood will be shed. Most importantly, pray that the Gospel would continue to spread, turning former enemies into brothers and sisters through the grace of Jesus Christ.