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United Nations (United States) (AFP)
The United Nations announced on Thursday a $ 35.6 million emergency aid package for civilians caught up in the fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.
Violence erupted in Tigray in early November when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched military operations against the ruling Tigray party.
In Ethiopia itself, $ 25 million will go to purchase medicine and medical equipment to help sick or injured civilians, and to buy food and provide clean water, the UN said.
In neighboring Sudan, where more than 50,000 people have fled to escape the fighting, another $ 10.6 million is being spent to help these refugees.
“After six weeks of conflict, the number of civilians is increasing. Women and children arrive in Sudan with disturbing stories of violence, deprivation and abuse,” said UN emergency aid coordinator Mark Lowcock.
“We need unrestricted access now,” he said.
Tigray, an impoverished region of about six million people, faced formidable food security challenges before the conflict began, compounded this year by the coronavirus pandemic and the worst desert locust plague in decades.
Now aid agencies fear that the fighting, which has reportedly killed thousands and displaced many thousands more, could lead the region to catastrophe.
Tensions over access to aid have risen in recent weeks between Abiy, last year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner, and humanitarian officials.
© 2020 AFP
