War-torn Tigray is “on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe” according to a regional leader. He also revealed that the famine could be comparable to the one that happened in 1984-85 and prompted the global fundraising music event Live Aid.
A severely worded statement had said that “starvation and death” was lingering over the northern region.
However, the federal authorities have denied that there is a famine.
Tigray and the central government had been at war until November 2022.
Hundreds of thousands of people are believed to have died as a result of the 2-year conflict between the federal army, its allies and Tigrayan forces.
The conflict had also disrupted agricultural life, forcing hundreds of thousands from their homes, while destroying vital infrastructure, leaving Tigray extremely vulnerable.
Following this, drought in several places, together with a locust infestation worsened the situation.
Mr Getachew Reda, the President of Tigray’s interim administration reckons that 91% of the region’s population are at risk of starvation.
A recent UN report has described the escalating food security crisis as alarming.
Recall that in November, the US and the UN announced that they would resume food aid to Ethiopia, months after postponing it over reports of theft.
The provisional administration has urged the Ethiopian federal government and the international community to intercede to save lives.
Ethiopia’s Federal Disaster Risk Management Commission had denied reports of famine in Ethiopia but they have added that the government is making concerted efforts to give support to those affected by drought.
