Tigray Herald፡December 8,2024 (Mekele)
Commemoration and Remembrance of the Tigray Genocidal War Victims in Adiet District
Location: Adiet District, Central Tigray Zone
“We Remember, We Mourn, We Demand Justice: Tigray Genocide – Never Again”
The Adiet District in Central Tigray, a central epicenter of the genocidal war against the Tigrayan people, hosted a solemn commemoration ceremony on December 7, 2024. This significant event marked 3–4 years since the onset of the atrocities and honored the thousands of innocent lives lost to drone strikes, artillery bombardments, and ground offensives by Ethiopian and Eritrean forces.
Adiet: A Community Devastated by Genocide
Renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical importance, Adiet District was among the first regions targeted in the genocidal war. It bore the brunt of indiscriminate drone warfare and mass destruction, with entire villages decimated and countless lives lost.
The Role of Memory in Remembrance and Prevention
The memorial, held in Smama and extending across all 16 sub-districts of Adiet, emphasized the importance of remembrance in preventing future genocides. A solemn religious service, led by local clergy, included prayers for the souls of the departed. Candlelight vigils illuminated the evening, symbolizing hope and a collective commitment to justice.
Religious and community leaders advocated for the preservation of mass graves as sacred sites of remembrance. These unmarked graves, containing the remains of thousands of victims, remain a stark testament to the atrocities and the neglect in addressing their aftermath.
A Community in Mourning
Adiet District remains one of the most devastated areas in post-genocide Tigray. Over 90% of its infrastructure—including schools, health facilities, and essential services—was destroyed. The district continues to suffer from limited communication access and partial siege, with no significant recovery efforts initiated.
Several villages in Adiet are home to mass graves, grim reminders of the atrocities committed. The neglect of these burial sites has been compounded by illegal gold mining, which threatens to desecrate the graves and erase the victims’ memory.
Calls to Action
Speakers at the event, including religious leaders, survivors, and victims’ families, issued the following urgent appeals:
Preserve Mass Graves: Protect these sites as centers of remembrance and ensure victims are memorialized with dignity.
End Illegal Gold Mining: Halt exploitative mining practices that threaten burial sites and harm the environment through the use of cyanide and mercury.
Rebuild Adiet: Prioritize infrastructure, healthcare, and education in post-genocide recovery efforts.
Seek Justice: Demand accountability for genocide perpetrators and reparations for victims’ families.
Powerful Messages and Slogans
“Tigray Genocide: Never Again”
“The Victims Will Never Be Forgotten”
“Justice for the Victims: An Unwavering Demand”
“Adiet Will Rise Again: From Destruction to Hope”
“Let’s Plant Seeds on Our Villages’ Grounds—Not Explosive Mines, Cyanide, or Mercury.”
Acknowledgments
The commemoration was made possible through the unwavering dedication of local leaders, community organizations, and Tigrayan diaspora advocates in Europe, who have championed justice for Tigray genocide victims. Religious leaders played a pivotal role in organizing prayer services and offering spiritual solace to grieving families, and their contributions were deeply appreciated.
Continuing the Legacy of Remembrance
The week-long commemoration continues across all 16 sub-districts of Adiet, with additional events in all other affected villages. These ceremonies aim to honor victims, support grieving families, and reaffirm the collective commitment to justice and healing.
Despite its scars, Adiet stands as a beacon of resilience. Through remembrance, the district seeks not only to honor the past but also to ensure a future free from such atrocities. Its people echo a powerful plea to the world:
“Respect the Graves, Preserve the Memory, and Deliver Justice.”
Issued by the Tigrayan advocacy for human rights in Europe.
