Ethiopia’s Tigray region is facing a severe hunger crisis, with over 200 people having lost their lives to starvation since July in the town of Edaga Arbi alone. The neighboring town of Adwa has also reported 16 deaths due to hunger. The local authorities warn that the region is on the brink of a famine comparable to the devastating crisis seen in 1984 that led to the Live Aid concert. However, the central government in Addis Ababa denies the existence of a famine and claims to be providing aid. Nonetheless, medical professionals and aid workers on the ground assert that the assistance is not arriving quickly enough, leaving them helpless in saving lives. The situation is dire, with preventable deaths occurring regularly, particularly among children and young individuals.
One Tigray resident, Abrehet Kiros, shared her concerns, highlighting the destitution faced by the community and the urgent need for support. The lack of remaining family and the recent loss of her grandson in the civil war have left her elderly neighbor reliant on the assistance of others. The plea for help is echoed in Tigray, with residents calling on anyone who can contribute to lend their support.
The critical humanitarian situation in the region was exacerbated in the past when allegations of food aid looting emerged, leading the World Food Programme and USAid to suspend aid to Ethiopia for several months. Although aid has gradually resumed, an estimated 1,500 people perished due to starvation during the hiatus. Currently, approximately 20 million people across Ethiopia require food assistance due to ongoing conflicts, droughts, and floods, as reported by the UN. Furthermore, the Early Famine Warning Systems Network predicts that by mid-2024, the food crisis will escalate into a nationwide emergency. At present, the crisis primarily affects the northern region of Amhara, which is embroiled in conflict, as well as parts of the southern region and Tigray.
The gravity of the situation in Tigray is magnified by a combination of factors, according to analyst Alex de Waal. The region has yet to recover from the aftermath of the war, including the destruction of infrastructure, widespread displacement, and the collapse of employment opportunities. Additionally, a severe drought has compounded the challenges faced by the population. De Waal warns that if prompt action is not taken, the food crisis in Ethiopia could surpass the devastation witnessed 40 years ago, potentially resulting in the deaths of half a million people or more within the next year.
Dr. Kahsay, a medical professional stationed in Shire, expresses deep concern that many individuals have already lost hope, accepting their destined fate of death. In order to avert a major catastrophe, urgent attention and aid are required to address this growing hunger crisis in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. The international community must step forward to provide the necessary support and prevent further loss of life.
