Growing Concerns of Famine in Tigray, Ethiopia

Famine is becoming a serious issue in parts of Ethiopia, particularly in the northern Tigray region. This comes as the region is still recovering from the recent war and is now facing severe drought. Disturbing reports of children dying from starvation are emerging from remote areas. The crisis is unfolding early in the season, when food should be abundant. Despite this, the federal government denies an imminent famine and claims to be providing aid. However, experts in relief operations are comparing the situation to the devastating 1984 famine. The UN estimates that over 20 million Ethiopians require food aid, with Tigray being especially alarming. The main cause of this catastrophe is the poverty resulting from the war's devastation. The conflict lasted for two years, resulting in widespread destruction and displacement of over 1.4 million people. The region's economy, including farming and trade, was severely affected. Adding to the woes, the rainfall failed in many areas. The neighboring regions of Amhara and southern Ethiopia are also facing food shortages due to drought and armed conflict. A joint report from USAid and the UN World Food Programme warned that the number of people in need of emergency food assistance, especially children, is rapidly increasing. Aid organizations need to take rapid and massive action to address this crisis. However, challenges persist as aid staff discovered widespread theft of food aid last year. The Ethiopian government initially denied any risk of famine but later acknowledged the issue of recurrent droughts. Amidst these challenges, time is of the essence to save lives.