Virtual teach-in: resurgent war in Ethiopia

Amid renewed military hostilities in Ethiopia, this online teach-in aims to raise awareness about the evolving crisis in Ethiopia and especially the impact on everyday civilians. Students and faculty will have the chance to hear short talks and mini-lectures from experts and advocates currently on the ground, providing multiple perspectives and lived experiences.

The event will also include time for audience questions and comments, or other points of discussion about the crisis.

Among Scottish academia, there is limited visibility on the conflict and human rights situation in Ethiopia, which is intimately connected to broader regional and global crises affecting the country, for example, war in the Middle East and superpower competition. So far, this lack of awareness represents a missed opportunity for advocacy, as Scotland and its universities maintain a long tradition of solidarity with war-affected populations around the world. This event seeks to promote awareness of and solidarity with the peoples of Ethiopia who are again dealing with a violent, internationalised power struggle.

With this broad framing, the event will cover a number of issues to give students and faculty a comprehensive picture of the Ethiopian crisis and what we can do about it, including but not limited to:

• an update on the current political, security and economic situations from journalists on the ground
• the legacy of mass atrocities in Ethiopia and threats of recurring violations amid the persistent presence of the drivers of genocide, weaponised sexual violence and starvation crimes, among others
• the regional and international political and financial links of the conflict, drawing attention to the West's complicity in violations in the Horn
• the failure of multilateral peace efforts and appropriate support needed
• opportunities for solidarity and direct action to promote solutions to the crisis

Confirmed speakers include:

• Abel Tsgabu, Independent Conflict Journalist
• Hilina Berhanu Degefa, Independent Expert, Feminist Analysis of Mass Atrocities
• Dr Yared Debede, Associate Lecturer, University of Gondar

Register at Register for Virtual teach-in: resurgent war in Ethiopia. Those registered will receive joining instructions one day ahead of the event.