By Solomon A.
On December 3, 2024, a drone strike devastated the town of Bilbala, near Lalibela in Ethiopia’s Amhara Region, exemplifying the Oromo regime’s unwavering commitment to dismantling Amhara heritage and diminishing the Amhara people’s historical, cultural, and economic significance in Ethiopia. The Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drone targeted a residential home around 11:40 PM, leading to the immediate death of dozens, including an elderly woman aged 80, and injuring many others. This attack marks yet another troubling episode in the state-sponsored effort to erase Amhara heritage and revise Ethiopian history to align with the Oromo narrative. The missile strikes have also compromised the structural integrity of the ancient churches, yet there has been no substantial condemnation from the international community.
In other parts of the world, on December 8, 2024, France will host visitors worldwide for the grand reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris, celebrating the culmination of a meticulous five-year restoration after the catastrophic 2019 fire. This event signifies not only the revival of one of the world’s most iconic architectural and spiritual landmarks but also highlights the global solidarity and swift action that made it possible. In stark contrast, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, equally significant cultural and religious icons, confront mounting threats of neglect, conflict-inflicted damage, and environmental degradation. Unlike Notre-Dame, Lalibela suffers from a glaring lack of national prioritization and international advocacy, further complicated by Ethiopia’s political landscape, where anti-Amhara narratives propagated by the Oromo-led government have weakened the nation’s shared heritage.
Lalibela: A Testament to Amhara Civilization
The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, carved during the 12th and 13th centuries under King Lalibela’s reign, were designed as a “New Jerusalem.” In response to the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem, which hindered Ethiopian Christians from making pilgrimages, King Lalibela aimed to establish a sacred replica within Ethiopia. These structures are not merely religious monuments but represent the ingenuity, spiritual dedication, and cultural identity of the Amhara people. They serve as a sanctuary for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and are a cornerstone of spiritual and cultural life for millions.
However, this legacy is directly threatened. Reports indicate that the churches have endured neglect, sustained damage from high-caliber artillery during recent conflicts, and deteriorating structural integrity due to environmental factors. Vibrations from nearby clashes, particularly between the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and Fano freedom fighters, have caused cracks in the rock walls, jeopardizing the stability of these ancient structures. These issues are not incidental; they are intensified by political narratives that seek to undermine Amhara-related institutions, including Ethiopia’s Orthodox Church and its cultural heritage.
Political Context: Anti-Amhara Narratives and Their Consequences
The Ethiopian government, dominated by Oromo elites, has cultivated an anti-Amhara agenda that labels the Amhara people as historical oppressors. This narrative incites systematic attacks on Amhara cultural symbols, including significant landmarks like Lalibela and the reason why the Orthodox Church, central to Amhara identity, has become a frequent target of this rhetoric. Lalibela’s targeting epitomizes a broader initiative to erase the Amhara people’s historical and cultural contributions. The destruction of manuscripts, desecration of holy sites, and marginalization of religious leaders highlight a deliberate campaign to undermine the Amhara community’s spiritual and cultural fabric.
A Tale of Two Responses: Lalibela and Notre-Dame
The global response to Notre-Dame’s fire starkly contrasts with the indifference surrounding Lalibela. After the cathedral’s spire collapsed in 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron promptly pledged to restore the site within five years. Donations surged from around the world, mobilizing international artisans and modern technology to rebuild the iconic structure. This culminates on December 8, 2024, reopening, showcasing the power of collective determination to restore a cultural symbol.
Conversely, the Ethiopian government has not provided even basic protection or funding for Lalibela’s preservation. Despite its UNESCO World Heritage designation, the churches remain vulnerable to both natural and man-made threats. While UNESCO has expressed concern, meaningful action has been hampered by political inertia and instability in Ethiopia.
The Danger of Prolonged Neglect
Lalibela’s plight signifies a loss not only for the Amhara people but for all of humanity. These churches are irreplaceable artifacts of world heritage, embodying a unique form of monolithic architecture and centuries of Ethiopian creativity. Continued neglect threatens to erase a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s identity while solidifying the marginalization of the Amhara community.
The parallels between Lalibela’s jeopardy and the broader plight of the Amhara people are profound. The Amhara have endured systematic displacement, ethnic violence, and political exclusion under the current regime. The destruction of Lalibela reflects this broader campaign of erasure, targeting not just people but their history and symbols.
The Call for Global Solidarity
The world must treat Lalibela with the same urgency and care as Notre-Dame. International organizations such as UNESCO need to pressure the Ethiopian government to prioritize the protection of Lalibela and other endangered heritage sites. Human rights advocates and the Amhara diaspora should amplify this message, framing the destruction of Lalibela as a violation of cultural and religious rights.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, alongside Amhara advocacy groups, must take the initiative to safeguard these treasures. By mobilizing resources, raising awareness, and collaborating with international preservation experts, they can counteract governmental inaction and ensure Lalibela endures for future generations.
Preserving Ethiopia’s Identity
The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela represent more than mere stone structures; they are vessels of faith, identity, and history. Protecting them is about securing a civilization and resisting the forces of erasure.
As the world celebrates the restoration of Notre-Dame, attention must also turn to Lalibela. The global community has a moral obligation to protect this irreplaceable piece of humanity’s shared heritage, ensuring that Lalibela remains a sanctuary and a symbol of resilience for generations to come.
Urgency of Action
Immediate intervention is critical; without it, Lalibela risks succumbing to neglect, environmental degradation, and political hostility. The stakes are too high to overlook. Preserving Lalibela is a global responsibility to honor and protect one of the world’s greatest cultural treasures.
Editor’s note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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