The humanitarian situation in Tigray is deteriorating quickly and there is a growing risk of famine if conflict continues, said the United States Embassy in Addis Ababa via Twitter Wednesday.
“We agree with the UK that the humanitarian situation in Tigray is rapidly deteriorating. A break in the fighting NOW, coupled with unfettered humanitarian access, will immediately help avert the risk of famine. The U.S. calls for a cessation of hostilities by all conflict parties and unfettered humanitarian access so that aid can flow and famine can be averted,” said the
statement.
The conflict and violence that has been occurring in Ethiopia’s Tigray region since November have resulted in widespread displacements and have dramatically destabilized the region, causing food shortages as many are fearful of impending famine.
“A total of 5.2 million people, equivalent to 91% of Tigray’s population, need emergency food assistance due to the conflict,” said U.N. World Food Program Spokesperson Tomson Phiri on Tuesday.
As hostilities and abuses have continued, the international community has taken an increasingly stern position of condemnation, calling for a cease to the conflict so that humanitarian assistance can be provided to the region.
“The United States is committed to helping Ethiopia address these challenges, building on the longstanding ties between our two nations and working with the African Union, United Nations, and other international partners,” said U.S. President Joseph Biden in late May.
The humanitarian situation in Tigray is abysmal according to every report and is not likely to improve if nothing is changed. As the United States and other members of the international community have asserted, the only way to truly resolve the conflict is to cease all hostilities and cooperate with humanitarian efforts.
Noah Pitcher is a global politics correspondent for Today News Africa covering the U.S. government, United Nations, African Union, and other actors involved in international developments, political controversies, and humanitarian issues.