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The specter of renewed conflict looms over Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, a chilling prospect for women who bore the brunt of the last brutal civil war and are now sounding a desperate alarm. Their experiences on the front lines and in the aftermath of the devastating two-year conflict have forged an unshakeable resolve: they will not stand by to see their homeland plunged back into bloodshed.

Abeba Amdu, just 22, embodies this deep-seated fear and determination. Once a promising football star with dreams of a professional career, her life was irrevocably altered when she joined the Tigrayan forces in 2020. Three years after the war's official end, the trauma of her combat experience remains a raw wound, a stark reminder of the aspirations extinguished and the pervasive sense of loss.

A Star Striker's Path Diverted by War

Before the drums of war began to beat, Abeba's world was one of athletic achievement and academic ambition. Since the age of seven, football had been her passion, leading her to become a striker for the 70 Enderta female team by 17. She saw herself as a feminist trailblazer, challenging traditional views on women in sports.

Simultaneously, she was an accomplished IT student in Mekelle, Tigray's capital, charting a clear course for her future. The global COVID-19 pandemic first disrupted her studies, but it was the outbreak of war that shattered her reality entirely. "I was not a believer in war, because I knew what my parents went through," she told BBC Tigrinya, her voice heavy with the weight of inherited suffering.

Her parents, like many in Tigray, carried the deep scars of the previous war that concluded in 1991 with the overthrow of the Mengistu Haile Mariam regime by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The TPLF's subsequent dominance in federal government until 2018, and the subsequent fallout with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, set the stage for the 2020 conflict. The war, which saw neighboring Eritrea join federal forces, concluded two years later under an African Union-brokered peace deal that reportedly claimed around 600,000 lives.

Duty, Defense, and the Horrors of Conflict

For Abeba, answering the call to arms was not merely a patriotic duty, but a deeply personal imperative. Growing up immersed in TPLF lore, she heard countless stories of her father's sacrifices decades prior. Patriotism was woven into the fabric of her upbringing. Yet, her decision to join the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF) was also a desperate act of self-preservation.

The pervasive reports of sexual violence against women by opposing forces created an overwhelming sense of vulnerability. "The perpetrators did not come for one person; I would have had the same fate as the victims. It was the whole situation that forced me to fight," she explained, highlighting the harrowing choice faced by many women.

The transition from the thrill of sport to the grim reality of war was brutal. Constant hunger and a lack of basic necessities, including sanitary pads, became daily struggles. Even after the guns fell silent, the peace Abeba had envisioned remained elusive. Returning to civilian life proved to be another arduous battleground, leaving her body and mind deeply traumatized.

The Lingering Scars of War and the Fear of Repetition

Isolation became a pervasive companion, the feeling of being misunderstood by those who had not shared her experiences weighing heavily. "It's now that I understand my father's character - the character of a fighter has a sense of anger. I realize now that it was because he never healed," she reflected, recognizing a cycle of unresolved grief and friction.

Arguments with loved ones, job resignations, and solitary tears marked her attempts to navigate life post-war. The intense focus required for professional football had vanished, and attempts to return to training were thwarted by the crushing weight of "wasted years." To channel her pain, Abeba briefly worked as a journalist and launched "Wegahta," a project mentoring young female footballers. However, financial constraints ultimately stalled the initiative, leaving her efforts feeling more like a search for sanctuary than a career path.

Her fears are far from unfounded. In late January, reports surfaced of brief clashes between federal troops and Tigrayan fighters, fueled by disputes over territories seized by the neighboring Amhara region during the conflict. Drone strikes targeted Tigray, and flights were suspended, creating an atmosphere of renewed tension. The federal government has also accused Eritrea of re-engaging in the region, this time allegedly supporting Tigrayan forces, an accusation Eritrea denies.

These developments echo the instability that has plagued the region, raising concerns about the fragility of the peace agreement and the potential for further escalation. The experiences of women like Abeba Amdu serve as a critical, albeit somber, warning. Their firsthand accounts of the devastation wrought by war underscore the immense human cost and the urgent need for sustainable peace.

The international community's role in ensuring adherence to the peace accords and addressing the underlying causes of conflict remains paramount. As tensions simmer, the voices of those who have endured the worst are a potent reminder of what is at stake. The memory of the last war, with its profound suffering and loss, casts a long shadow, and the prospect of its return is a nightmare that many in Tigray cannot afford to ignore.

The international community is closely watching these developments, mindful of the potential for a wider regional destabilization. The ongoing geopolitical landscape, marked by complex alliances and simmering disputes, could easily be exacerbated by a resurgence of conflict in Ethiopia, echoing concerns seen in regions where global tensions flare. In the face of such profound uncertainty, the desire for lasting peace, born from the crucible of war, is more urgent than ever.

A Call for Vigilance

The recent clashes and accusations highlight the precarious nature of the peace in Tigray. The demands for the return of seized territories by Tigrayan fighters and the alleged cross-border interference underscore the unresolved issues that continue to fuel instability. The suspension of flights and drone strikes serve as stark indicators that the conflict may not be as dormant as once believed.

For women like Abeba, who have already sacrificed so much, the prospect of further violence is not just a political concern but a deeply personal threat. Their resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship, coupled with their fervent plea for peace, offers a powerful testament to the human spirit. Yet, it also serves as a stark reminder of the international community's responsibility to actively support de-escalation and lasting reconciliation efforts.

The lessons learned from past conflicts, including the strategic considerations in regions facing similar tensions, emphasize the importance of proactive diplomacy and robust peacebuilding initiatives. As Ethiopia navigates these turbulent times, the experiences of its women veterans are a crucial, often overlooked, element in the pursuit of enduring stability and security.

Given the fragile peace and the recent escalations, is another full-scale war in Tigray inevitable, or can diplomatic intervention and the will of those who have suffered the most prevent further bloodshed?