Ethiopia: “The world erupted around me” – a landmine survivor’s story

My name is Tesfay. I come from Korem, a town in Southern Tigray. Sadly, my experience is not unique. I hope it helps shine a light on the devastating impact of landmines – and the strength of those who survive them.

I remember that day as vividly as if it happened yesterday. It was a bright morning, like so many before it. I had taken our cattle to graze in the forest, a task I’d done countless times. After leaving them there, I headed back home, choosing a slightly different path than usual. That’s when it happened.

I didn’t see it. It was hidden, buried on my way. I stepped on something, and as I lifted my leg to take the next step, the world erupted around me. The blast struck my leg with violent force, and shrapnel shredded my hands. In that instant, I was consumed by panic – a deep, overwhelming terror.

Locals quickly came to help and rushed me to the Korem Hospital. I was incredibly lucky: a doctor traveling from Korem to Alamata happened to pass by. He saw what had happened, immediately stopped his journey, and personally drove me to the hospital.

Five days later, the doctors in Korem discovered that a bone in my leg had to be removed. I was referred to Dessie Hospital, almost 220 kilometers away. Thankfully, after further examination, the doctors there assured me that there was no immediate danger. I returned to Korem Hospital, where I spent a grueling two months and ten days receiving treatment. It was an agonizing time. I could only go outside for 30 minutes a day to breathe fresh air. Because of my condition and the cold weather, I was unable to stay outside the hospital any longer. The rest of the time, I was confined, enduring relentless pain.

After Korem Hospital, I was referred to the Mekelle Orthopaedic and Physiotherapy Center, which is supported by the ICRC. This marked the beginning of my physical rehabilitation. I was fitted with my first prosthesis. At first, it was unbearably painful. But over time, it became a vital part of my life, restoring my mobility and independence.