Memorials have been held in the Ethiopian region of Tigray as part of a mourning period for those killed in the recent civil war.
A two-year conflict, which began in November 2020, is thought to have claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.
The war was sparked by a power struggle between the government of Ethiopia and forces in its northern Tigray region.
This weekend, I attended three memorial ceremonies in Tigray.
As part of a three-day mourning period, people gathered in churches and mosques to honour loved ones who lost their lives.
Kidu Kiros, who had to flee her home and now lives in a camp for displaced people, told me she had lost her two sons in the war.
“If our sovereignty is respected and we returned back to our home, I consider the death of my children fruitful. We need good governance. My children have given their life to their motherland and we should see their land returned,” she said.
Hagazi Haftu, who also lives in the camp and lost family members, said: “Our children fought for the dignity of Tigray and its development, so we need to see the sovereignty of Tigray is respected and we have to return back to our home.”
Getachew Reda, Tigray’s interim administration president, delivered a solemn speech during the mourning period. He commended “the bravery and unwavering commitment of the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice”.
Candlelight vigils were held in Tigrayan towns, while Tigrayans across the world paticipated in a moment of silence in memory of the dead.
The mourning period will continue until Monday evening.