In the northern regions of Ethiopia, 372 individuals have lost their lives due to famine. Specifically, 351 deaths have occurred in Tigray and 21 in Amhara. This tragic famine is a result of the ongoing drought. The Chief of the Ethiopian Institution of Ombudsman, Endale Hale, reports a surge in complaints from the affected population.
These grievances are directed towards government departments. Upon investigation, it was revealed that within just ten days, 351 people in Tigray and 21 in Amhara have perished from starvation. These numbers may not fully reflect the crisis as there might be more uncounted fatalities. There is a strong suspicion that the death toll is far greater than reported.
Source: aajtak
Efforts to engage with Amhara and Tigray regional spokespersons Legesy Tulu and Mengasha Fetaw were unsuccessful. Ethiopia is currently facing a state of civil war, particularly in the Tigray region, which lies near the Horn of Africa and has been battling decades-long drought conditions.
The United Nations World Food Programme states that over 20 million people in the region require urgent assistance. In Amhara, intermittent conflicts persist alongside a devastating drought. The clashes between the Amhara forces and local insurgents continue. Tigray has been engulfed in civil war since 2022.
Source: aajtak
Last December, the President of Tigray, Getachew Reda, announced that 91% of the area's population was on the brink of famine. The situation is spiraling out of control. When government spokesperson Legesy Tulu was questioned about this, he dismissed the claims as factually incorrect.
In May of the previous year, the World Food Programme had to cease food distribution in Tigray due to escalating violence resulting in the theft of a large portion of donations. Subsequently, in June, aid was halted throughout Ethiopia, with the United Nations refusing to provide any further assistance. Limited food supplies and aid resumed in August, and in December, the United States initiated support.
