The United Nations received pledges for approximately two-thirds of the $1 billion sought to enhance humanitarian aid in Ethiopia, addressing the country’s challenges with conflict, drought, and floods.
The U.N.-led pledging event, in collaboration with the governments of Ethiopia and the United Kingdom, took place at the United Nations in Geneva, aiming to scale up life-saving assistance for 15.5 million people and provide food aid to 10.4 million.
According to the U.N. Humanitarian Office (OCHA), the emergency situation in Ethiopia has evolved due to recurring cycles of droughts, floods, and conflict.
The El Niño weather pattern has aggravated drought conditions in the northern highlands, leading to water shortages, parched pastures, and reduced harvests for millions of people.
OCHA highlighted that conflict and climate-related shocks have resulted in over 21 million people in Ethiopia requiring humanitarian assistance this year.
Moreover, during the lean season between July and September, an estimated 10.8 million individuals are projected to face severe food insecurity.
According to OCHA, pledges from 21 countries totaled $628.9 million. The largest contributor was the United States with $253 million, followed by the United Kingdom with £100 million ($124.58 million), and the European Union with $46.6 million.
Andrew Mitchell, Britain’s deputy foreign secretary and minister for development and Africa, expressed hope that these pledges would encourage participation from other countries, including those in the Gulf region. However, no Gulf countries were listed among the donors.
The two-year conflict, which began in November 2020 between the federal government and forces led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people.
Additionally, it has led to famine-like conditions for hundreds of thousands and displacement for millions.
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