Ethiopia: Nuns speak of rape and abuse at Waldeba monastery

ESAT News (June 30, 2017)

Nuns at the Waldeba monastery in Ethiopia say they have been victims of abuses including rape by individuals sent by the regime to control the monastery.

Nun Wolete Mariam speaking to ESAT said they have been targeted by individuals sent by the powers that be. Abduction, forced marriage, rape have become common in the monastery. She hold Woldegebriel, a person she said was sent by the regime, responsible for the alleged abuses. She said Woldegebriel, against the rules of the monastery, trespases the area of the monastery designated for nuns.

Wolete Maraim said the perpetrators, who hail from Tigray, have targeted the Amhara monks and nuns. She said members of the ruling party who are disguised as monks have taken control of the monastery. She specifically mentioned that cadres disguised as monks from Tigray have controlled the sacred place.

According to Wolete Mariam, those nuns and monks who stood against the abusive practices have been imprisoned in Addis Ababa while others have left the monastery.

The Waldeba monastery has been a site of controversy following decisions by the regime to use a vast area near the vicinity of the sacred land for sugar development. The monks and nuns have been protesting against the use of the religious site for development.