Ethiopia is overwhelmed by the Tigray clashes, a drought episode, and the Covid-19 pandemic, with growing humanitarian needs. In April 2021, the country received $64 million in aid from the European Union.

This time, support is coming from the United Nations. On May 6, the institution announced it is helping Ethiopia with $65 million. Of this sum, $40mln will be used to address the situation in Tigray where violence is escalating. “Women and girls are being targeted with horrific sexual violence, and millions are struggling to access essential services and food, especially in some rural areas that are completely cut off. We need to scale up the humanitarian response now,” said UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock.

Actions will be aimed at restoring health services, ensuring water supply, providing shelter, and setting up a food assistance system while ensuring that the population is protected from armed groups.

The remaining $25 million will cover needs in other parts of the country where “lives and livelihoods are being destroyed by drought, and children are suffering from malnutrition.” The United Nations also wants to bring back water to drought-affected places such as Somali and Oromia.

More than 16 million people need humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia, including nearly 4.5 million in Tigray alone. Despite what has been done so far, additional support is needed to advance the fight and win the battle.

Carine Sossoukpè (intern)