Calls for humanitarian assistance for 83,000 who call UNSECO site home
Unabated fighting between federal forces and armed groups in the Amhara region has exacerbated a critical economic crisis in the historic town of Lalibela as its residents struggle to cope with flatlining tourist numbers in the wake of a two-year war and a global pandemic.
The home of Ethiopia’s iconic rock-hewn churches also hosts more than 80,000 residents, nearly all of whom are reliant on tourism for income. But Lalibela, one of the larger urban centers in the region, has been caught up in conflict several times over the last few years.
The Reporter paid a visit to the town this week, and heard firsthand about the challenges facing Lalibela from its residents and clergy, and administrators.
Father Hiryakos Tsegaye, head of the administration of the rock-hewn churches, recounted stories surrounding fighting between federal forces and forces loyal to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which…