APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) The world heritage site of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela faces danger of destruction due to ongoing fighting between government forces and the Fano Amhara combatants in the country’s Amhara region.
According to information reaching APA, the risk on 12th century churches came as government forces continue intensifying artillery shelling and the use of other heavy weaponry in their battle against the Fano combatants near the churches.
Fighting between Fano forces and the Ethiopian federal forces in the Amhara region started in April of this year but it became official after Addis Ababa declared a state of emergency in August 2023 on grounds of “invitation from Amhara regional state for intervention to restore order.”
Last Sunday, Ethiopian government forces fired heavy artillery about 11 times from locations near the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela – according to a deacon who serves in one of the churches.
Lalibela has a great religious significance for millions of Ethiopians as it is considered as a holy city for the followers of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church followers.
The shock from the artillery firing is causing a great deal of concern that it would damage the UNESCO recognised world heritage site.
The site is in need of some work to save it from crumbling.
MG/as/APA