A United Nations-backed gathering on Tuesday raised almost $630 million for Ethiopia’s humanitarian crisis, falling short of the $1 billion target needed to help feed and support millions of people facing conflict and climate change in the country. The United States, Ethiopia’s leading donor, expressed concerns about stretched resources, while the U.K. warned that Ethiopia could be overshadowed by other humanitarian crises globally. Donors also called on the Ethiopian government to ensure aid reaches those in need without interference, following concerns about food aid being diverted on a widespread scale in the past.
Ethiopia faces a number of conflicts, including a two-year conflict in the Tigray region that ended with a peace deal in November 2022. Most of the region’s population of 6 million now relies on humanitarian assistance. Donors urged Ethiopia to fully implement the peace agreement and peacefully resolve ongoing conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions. The U.S. raised concerns about the killing of nine aid workers in the Amhara region since April, calling on the Ethiopian government to do more to protect humanitarian workers. Limited funding has forced many humanitarian organizations to scale down life-saving operations, highlighting the urgent need for additional support.
The World Bank has warned about the widening income gap between the richest and poorest countries, with Ethiopia being one of the countries most affected. The international community must address the increasing challenges faced by countries like Ethiopia to ensure the well-being of vulnerable populations. The United States and the U.K. have called for sustained support for Ethiopia’s humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the importance of continuing to provide aid to those in need. Donors have emphasized the need for the Ethiopian government to facilitate the delivery of aid without interference, ensuring that it reaches the most vulnerable populations.
Humanitarian organizations have stressed the importance of the pledges made during the UN-backed gathering, noting that the funding will be essential to support the chronically underfunded humanitarian system. With limited resources and ongoing conflicts, Ethiopia continues to face significant challenges in providing assistance to its population. Donors have expressed their commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s humanitarian crisis, but more funding is needed to address the growing needs of vulnerable populations. The international community must work together to ensure that Ethiopia receives the necessary support to overcome its humanitarian challenges and promote peace and stability in the region.
