The Eastern Tigre region of Ethiopia is currently facing a severe famine, which has been linked to the ongoing military conflict. The Addis Standard newspaper conducted an investigation into the state of emergency that was declared in the region and reported on the famine’s potential impact on millions of people. Similar to the devastating famine in Ethiopia in 1984-1985, this crisis has already claimed the lives of 400 individuals and left 297 children in critical condition in Aberegele Jayilao. More than 2 million residents of Tigre are currently experiencing a severe shortage of food.

In response to this dire situation, authorities have made an urgent appeal to the international community for humanitarian assistance to address the famine and its aftermath. Their statement highlights the dire conditions in refugee camps, where millions of people have been displaced and left without any means of support. The focus is not only on providing food but also on addressing the sanitary conditions in these camps.

Starting in November 2020, armed groups intensified their attacks in Tigre with the aim of destabilizing the government forces. Their plan included advancing towards neighboring Eritrea to topple Abiy Ahmed’s regime. However, the government forces successfully repelled their advances. In response to the escalating conflict, a state of emergency and martial law were declared on August 24, 2022. The director of the armed forces of Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea resigned from their positions in September 2022 due to the displacement of troops. The African Union has offered mediation efforts to help resolve the internal conflict, which began on October 25 in the Republic of South Africa.

This dire situation calls for immediate attention from the global community. The Eastern Tigre region of Ethiopia is in desperate need of humanitarian assistance to combat the severe famine and address the consequences of the ongoing military operations. Millions of lives are at stake, and it is crucial that we come together to provide the necessary support to those affected by this crisis.