Panafrican News Agency

Ethiopian crisis: Humanitarian charity steps up emergency response

Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) -  An international humanitarian organisation operating in Ethiopia has warned against what it described as “overwhelming humanitarian needs” in the east African country which been the scene of a bitter conflict between the federal government and rebels from Tigray region.

The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crecent (IFRC) said in a statement that the ongoing conflict has affected the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. 

“The year-long fighting—combined with other existing hazards—has resulted in a worrying humanitarian situation,” said IFRC and the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) in a statement received by PANA in Khartoum on Thursday.

It said that the current crisis has exacerbated an already dire situation in Ethiopia. Climate shocks, devastating desert locusts, the continued socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19 and below-average rainfall have also led to a deterioration in food insecurity and other humanitarian needs.

The release quoted Ato Getachew Taa, Ethiopian Red Cross Society’s Secretary General, as saying that unless immediate action is taken, millions of lives are at risk due to displacement, food insecurity, trauma and loss of livelihoods.

“About 23 million people in Ethiopia are now in need of humanitarian assistance across the country, due to the combined consequences of conflict, drought, epidemics, food insecurity, pest outbreaks, and population movement. Our teams are currently handling overwhelming humanitarian needs,” he said.

The urgent needs include emergency shelter and essential household items, food, cash, health services, psychological support, water, sanitation, and hygiene materials—as well as protection services.

It added that the IFRC was deeply concerned by the mounting needs and was stepping up its humanitarian response and preparedness efforts.

The release explained that through IFRC’s extended response operation, 660,000 people affected by the crisis will receive humanitarian support—including shelter, food, cash, healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene items.

Mohammed Mukhier, IFRC Regional Director for Africa, said: “Our teams and partners have been doing their best to reach desperate communities, but the resources are unable to keep pace with the scale of need. To match the growing humanitarian demands and reach people desperate for assistance, the IFRC is seeking 27 million Swiss francs.”  

Red Cross teams in Ethiopia have been providing humanitarian assistance since the beginning of the crisis.

Thousands of displaced families have received shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene services, as well as household, food and cash assistance. In Sudan and Djibouti, those who fled from Ethiopia are also receiving similar services from Red Cross and Red Crescent teams.

-0- PANA MO/MA 10Dec2021