admin The United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP) has launched a rapid response initiative to reach up to 3 million Ethiopians affected by climate change and conflict. This ambitious effort comes after a lengthy aid suspension last year, during which the U.S. and the U.N. halted food aid due to a massive scheme by Ethiopian officials to steal humanitarian grain. Chris Nikoi, the WFP’s Ethiopia head, expressed deep concern about the deteriorating food security in Northern Ethiopia, particularly in the Tigray region, where many are already facing severe hunger.
Impact of Aid Suspension and Current Challenges
Before the suspension, the WFP played a crucial role in feeding 6 million Ethiopians. However, the current plan is more modest, aiming to reach 40% of the 7.2 million people facing acute food insecurity, contingent on available resources. The remainder will be supported by the government and other aid agencies. The WFP is grappling with a global funding shortage while facing increased needs. Urgently requiring $142 million for its operations in Ethiopia, the agency warned that without these funds, food distributions for nearly 1 million foreign refugees would be halted in April.
Slow Aid Delivery and Deteriorating Situation
Despite the lifting of the aid suspension, aid delivery has been slow, with only 14% of the 3.2 million people targeted for food assistance in Tigray having received any by January 21. Ethiopia is grappling with drought and internal conflicts, resulting in millions going hungry. The country’s federal ombudsman confirmed hundreds of recent starvation deaths in Tigray, with local authorities warning of an “unfolding famine.” The U.S.-funded early warning system predicts severe and catastrophic hunger levels in parts of the country’s south between now and May.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed assured lawmakers that the government is handling the crisis, denying reported deaths attributed to starvation in Tigray. However, a U.N. panel had previously accused his government of using hunger as a weapon during the civil war with Tigray. The recent Food and Agriculture Organization award to Prime Minister Abiy for efforts to achieve food security has faced criticism from Human Rights Watch, citing wartime abuses by Ethiopian and allied troops against food systems. The WFP’s rapid response is crucial in mitigating the escalating humanitarian crisis, but funding shortages pose a significant threat to their operations, emphasising the urgent need for international support.
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