Ethiopia's Humanitarian and Food Crisis Worsens as Tigray Conflict Flairs

Renewed fighting in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis that has seen millions of people face food shortages after years of conflict, displacement and drought. Four years after a peace deal was signed in 2022, communities are still struggling to recover from the effects of the unresolved territorial disputes, limited reconstruction and reduced international aid. About 44% of Tigray's prime agricultural land remains inaccessible to displaced residents, and erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells have wiped out crops and grazed away livestock grazing areas. Regional assessments have reported the destruction of over 252,500 hectares of planted crops, dire conditions in 140 districts, and the threat of starvation and disease to over 3.5 million livestock. Some 3.9 million people require urgent food assistance, with millions more still in need of adequate support. Renewed hostilities since late September have further disrupted humanitarian operations through air strikes, damage to infrastructure, telecommunications blackouts, and closure or seizure of regional airports. Aid deliveries are either suspended or delayed, and the looting in Mekelle has destroyed the critical supplies, vehicles and medical equipment of humanitarian organizations. These losses have disrupted services for healthcare and support for displaced people and vulnerable children, including children living with HIV. Humanitarian workers are calling for an immediate pause in fighting and safe access for food, medicine, fuel and cash to reach affected communities, warning that continued disruption could push the region towards famine.