The Pain of a Hunger Strike: I Have Been There
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Loading... - Ibrahim Yakubu
- 08 Aug 2022
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It is surprising that many people don’t comprehend the physiological and physical effects of a hunger strike. They seem to compare it to fasting where one could easily forgo food for two, three or even a few more days. Based on my own experience in addition to publications on the subject, an extended hunger strike poses a serious risk to one’s health.
The ongoing hunger strike by Yodith Gedion and her supporters on Downing Street in London to highlight the current Amhara genocide in Ethiopia is one such dangerous exercise. Hunger strikes by themselves are detrimental to the health of the striker if those in power are not answerable to higher moral or religious imperatives. However, in a country where authorities have little to no regard for human life, as is the case in Ethiopia, it is necessary to bring the carnage to the attention of the global community, in the hopes of bringing a timely intervention to remedy the indiscriminate massacre of women, children and people with disabilities.
Yodith, I watched the interviews you had with Abebe Belew of Addis Dimts, and with Gobezze Sisay of the Voice of Amhara I heard your kind and grateful acknowledgement of the people who came to join you in support of your hunger strike: The gentleman who came from Glasgow, Scotland; another gentleman who brought you a comfortable chair to sit on for those trying long painful days and nights; there was also the fellow Amhara lady who took you into her home for a night to relieve your back pain. You also acknowledged the individuals who shared your hunger strike, along with your tribulations across social media platforms. You also remarked about the absence of Amharas in London, particularly religious teachers of various faiths and institutions. In my view, this no show by religious leaders and other Ethiopians hurts more than the pain you and your fellow protesters feel throughout your body. Read More...
