Ethiopia is on the brink of a devastating humanitarian crisis, with famine threatening the lives of millions of people in the Tigray region. The combination of severe drought and the aftermath of a brutal war has left villagers in remote areas struggling to survive. Reports of children dying of starvation are emerging, painting a grim picture of the dire situation unfolding in the country.
At the heart of the crisis is the ongoing conflict between the Ethiopian government and Tigrayan forces. The two-year war has resulted in widespread destruction, with accusations of soldiers stealing and burning food, slaughtering livestock, and vandalizing water systems. Over 1.4 million people have been forcibly displaced, further exacerbating the already dire situation.
The devastation caused by the war has decimated Tigray’s economy. Factories have been looted or destroyed, tourism has come to a standstill, and productive farmland has been seized. The region has been under an effective siege, cutting off trade and limiting access to humanitarian aid. Farmers have been unable to get loans, welfare payments have stopped, and salaries for civil servants have gone unpaid. Inflation has soared, making food prices unaffordable for many.
The recent failure of the rains has compounded the crisis. A significant portion of Tigray’s districts have been severely affected by a lack of rainfall, further reducing agricultural productivity. The neighboring region of Amhara is also grappling with drought and armed conflict, leading to escalating food needs. Southern Ethiopia has faced repeated droughts, pushing pastoralist communities to the brink of destitution.
The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that over 20 million Ethiopians are in need of food aid, with approximately a third currently receiving assistance. In Tigray alone, 3.5 million people require aid for the entire year, including farmers and war-displaced individuals. The situation is expected to deteriorate further, with a joint report from USAid’s famine early warning system and the UN World Food Programme predicting a fast-expanding number of people in phase four (emergency) of food insecurity by early 2024.
Adding to the complexity of the crisis is the issue of food aid theft. Aid staff uncovered widespread schemes of diverting and selling food aid, leading to suspensions and the overhaul of the aid distribution system. While efforts have been made to resume small-scale distributions, the process has been slow, leaving vulnerable communities without sufficient support.
The Ethiopian government’s denial of an imminent famine and its focus on other priorities, such as building a new national palace and military spending, have contributed to the lack of urgency in addressing the crisis. The US, the largest donor to Ethiopia, is also reducing aid to the country, further complicating the response to the humanitarian emergency.
Urgent action is needed to prevent a catastrophic loss of lives in Ethiopia. The international community must step up its efforts to provide immediate and substantial aid to those affected by the crisis. Increased funding, efficient and transparent distribution mechanisms, and a coordinated response are crucial to ensure that food reaches those in need.
Addressing the root causes of the crisis, including the ongoing conflict and the need for long-term economic development in the region, is essential to prevent future humanitarian disasters. It is imperative that all stakeholders, including the Ethiopian government and rebel groups, prioritize the well-being of their citizens and work towards sustainable peace and stability.
Time is of the essence, and the world cannot stand by while millions suffer. The legacy of the 1984 famine serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of inaction. The global community must leverage its resources, expertise, and diplomatic efforts to avert another humanitarian catastrophe in Ethiopia. Only through swift and decisive action can lives be saved and long-term solutions be implemented.
