The United States has announced the resumption of food aid to refugees in Ethiopia, marking a crucial step in addressing the humanitarian crisis that has gripped the country. This move comes after a suspension of more than four months, prompted by concerns over widespread diversions and theft of essential rations intended to alleviate hunger among the Ethiopian population.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.) disclosed on Thursday its plan to restart the distribution of food aid, benefiting approximately one million refugees primarily hailing from South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea. However, food assistance to Ethiopia itself will remain on hold until certain conditions are met. This development comes at a time when over 20 million people in Ethiopia are in dire need of food assistance, compounded by a two-year civil war, severe drought, and mounting economic challenges.
In a statement, U.S.A.I.D. stated, “Our assistance for other food insecure populations across Ethiopia remains paused until we have assurance it will reach its intended beneficiaries.” Despite the suspension of food aid, other U.S.-funded programs in sectors such as healthcare have continued their operations throughout this period.
The suspension of food aid began in June after revelations of a coordinated effort by Ethiopian government officials to divert emergency food supplies for illicit sale to commercial mills and local markets. The United Nations World Food Program had previously suspended its operations in the northern Tigray region in late April, citing a “significant diversion” of humanitarian aid. Subsequently, both the United States and the United Nations suspended all food aid to Ethiopia, though food distribution in Tigray resumed in August.
The resumption of food aid to refugees is contingent upon the Ethiopian government and humanitarian groups taking measures to safeguard against theft. Additionally, the Ethiopian government has transferred responsibility for warehousing and disbursing food to these humanitarian organizations, as confirmed by U.S.A.I.D.
The suspension of food aid to Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa, has severely impacted millions already grappling with acute food shortages, internal displacement, and rising unemployment. The nation continues to recover from a devastating two-year civil conflict that concluded in November of the previous year. This conflict witnessed both government and Tigrayan rebel forces accused of committing atrocities amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity, resulting in hundreds of thousands of fatalities and millions of displaced individuals.
This decision to reinstate food aid for refugees comes on the heels of the European Union’s recent announcement of $680 million in financial support for Ethiopia. This financial package, which follows a hiatus of nearly three years in direct aid to the country due to the Tigray conflict, is intended to support Ethiopia’s transition towards sustainable development, boost its private sector, promote democratic governance, aid in reconstruction efforts, and provide essential services to the population. Notably, the aid package does not include direct budgetary support to the Ethiopian government, signifying a concerted effort to ensure transparency and accountability in its allocation.
