UN Pledges $630 Mln for Ethiopia

In a United Nations-led effort, donors gathered in Geneva on Tuesday, raising nearly $630 million (€592 million) to aid millions of Ethiopians affected by the dual challenges of climate change and conflict.

Despite the substantial sum collected, it fell short of the urgent $1 billion needed, as highlighted by the UN.

This funding gap exacerbates the crisis in Africa's second-largest country, where over 21 million people urgently require assistance amid an escalating food shortage.

According to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the situation in Ethiopia is dire, with critical humanitarian needs.

Factors such as cycles of droughts, floods, and ongoing conflicts have contributed to the deteriorating conditions in the nation.

The conflict, particularly a two-year war that erupted in the northern Tigray region in November 2020, has resulted in thousands of casualties, millions displaced, and famine-like conditions. 

This has left a significant portion of the population reliant on humanitarian aid for survival.

OCHA emphasized that the crisis has been compounded by various factors, including climate-related challenges such as El Nino exacerbating droughts in the northern highlands.

Consequently, millions of Ethiopians are grappling with reduced water access, parched pastures, and diminished harvests.

The international response saw contributions from 21 countries, with the United States leading with a pledge of $253 million, followed by the UK with $125 million.

Additionally, European Union member states combined efforts to contribute over $139 million.

Despite these commitments, concerns remain over the fragility of the humanitarian situation in Ethiopia.

Isobel Coleman, USAID Deputy Administrator, underscored the severity of food insecurity faced by millions in the country, highlighting the urgent need for sustained support.

In parallel to the aid pledges, donors called on the Ethiopian government to ensure the unimpeded delivery of aid.

This follows previous challenges, including the suspension of food aid by the US Agency for International Development last year due to concerns of diversion.

Overall, while the international community has stepped up to address the pressing needs in Ethiopia, continued collaboration and support are essential to alleviate the ongoing crisis and prevent further escalation.