Ethiopia

On 4 November 2020, escalating tension between Ethiopia’s federal government and the regional leadership in Tigray erupted into armed conflict.

Formal military operations ceased when the Tigrayan capital of Mekelle was captured by government forces at the end of November.

But millions of people remain at risk from food shortages, inadequate shelter and continued insecurity. On top of this, families are also facing the constant threat of coronavirus.

We are extremely concerned by the emerging humanitarian crisis in Northern Ethiopia. We stand ready to respond, with vital emergency shelter supplies on their way.

Tigray is the northernmost region of Ethiopia.

It is the homeland of the Tigrayan, Irob and Kunama peoples.

Before this latest conflict, Tigray was already home to 100,000 internally displaced people and 96,000 refugees from neighbouring Eritrea.

The region has also suffered high levels of food insecurity.
It’s estimated that around 1.2 million people have been displaced as a result of this conflict.

More than 55,000 people have fled over the border into neighboring Sudan. Many more are displaced within the region.

It’s difficult to know exactly how many people have fled their homes within Tigray, as communications from the region have been very limited for some time.

Tigray was also badly hit by a recent infestation of locusts which devastated crops and pasture, destroying livelihoods and leaving people with little food.

It’s estimated that 4.5 million people need urgent assistance there.

Most displaced people are living in schools or staying in host communities.
Living conditions are crowded, often in unfinished buildings without doors and windows.

People are sleeping on dusty floors, vulnerable to diseases such as coronavirus.

Or they’re sleeping outside, sheltering under trees and at risk of pneumonia and malaria as the rainy season approaches.

We have supported over 51,000 people affected by conflict in Ethiopia since 2018.

Now Tigray – a region that was already in desperate need of support – is facing a humanitarian catastrophe.

Working with our partner IOM, we’re supporting people who’ve fled their homes within Tigray with emergency shelter, household essentials and hygiene items.

This year, families received tarpaulins, rope, blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, water carriers, carry sacks and kitchen sets. We’ve also provided washbasins, soap, and water jugs, to help prevent a devastating outbreak of coronavirus.

We’re now working on another project to support even more families.