Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – (African Boulevard News) – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced it will suspend food assistance in the Tigray region of Ethiopia amid allegations of diversion and misuse of resources. The move comes at a time when the region is at risk of famine, with an estimated 5.2 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
This decision is a response to reports of aid diversion and the blocking of humanitarian assistance by the Ethiopian government and its allies. The government of Ethiopia has denied these allegations and condemned the decision to halt food assistance to Tigray as politically motivated.
The United Nations and other aid agencies have raised alarm over the situation in Tigray, where conflict has been ongoing since November 2020. The conflict has displaced millions of people and left many in urgent need of food, water and medical assistance.
According to USAID, there are credible reports of aid being diverted by the Ethiopian government, military forces and local officials in Tigray. The agency said it will not resume aid until it is confident that the resources provided will be used for their intended purpose and reach those who need it most.
The suspension of aid has been met with concern from aid organizations, who have called for the government of Ethiopia to allow unrestricted access to humanitarian assistance in the region. “The humanitarian situation in Tigray is dire,” said Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council. “This decision will have a devastating impact on the lives of millions of people who are already struggling to survive.”
According to reports, the Ethiopian government has prevented aid agencies from accessing areas of Tigray, leading to accusations that they are deliberately using aid as a weapon of war. The government has denied these allegations.
The suspension of aid to Tigray will have serious consequences for the people living in the region, as they are already facing famine, displacement, and violence. It is important for all parties to work together to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
In conclusion, the suspension of aid by USAID to Tigray, Ethiopia, amid diversion allegations has sparked concern from aid organizations and the international community. The decision by USAID is a response to reports of aid diversion and the blocking of humanitarian assistance by the Ethiopian government and its allies. The government of Ethiopia has denied these allegations, and it is important for all parties to work together to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
