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The Chief Bishop for Africa of the Episcopal Conference of England and Wales calls for urgent government assistance for those affected by violence in Ethiopia’s Tigray region and their involvement in peace efforts.
By Vatican News staff reporter
The humanitarian situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region continues to deteriorate following clashes that broke out between the Tigray regional government and the Ethiopian federal government in November last year.
More than a million people are believed to have been displaced and agencies working on the ground are warning of a massive famine.
The current crisis has prompted the bishops of England and Wales to add their voice to the growing alarm.
Violence and hunger
Bishop Paul Swarbrick, Africa’s chief bishop, has called on the UK government to step up its assistance to those affected by the violence in Ethiopia’s Tigray region and its involvement in peace efforts.
In a letter sent to the minister for Africa on Tuesday, Bishop Swarbrick expressed his solidarity with the local Church in Ethiopia and warned that atrocities are being committed with no peace in sight.
“We are particularly concerned about reports of widespread sexual violence and there is an urgent need to ensure the protection of vulnerable groups, especially women and girls,” he said.
The bishops have been receiving reports of people dying every day from lack of food, water, medicine and other essential items. This situation, Bishop Swarbrick said, is “compounded by barriers that prevent humanitarian agencies from reaching those who have fled the fighting.”
Urgent call
Calling for urgent action, the Bishop for Africa implored the government to redouble UK assistance to those affected and diplomatic support for peace initiatives.
“I hope that you can also reiterate the paramount importance of all parties to the conflict, together with neighboring countries, respecting international law, including the safe accommodation of refugees,” he said.
