A United Nations-backed gathering took place to raise funds for Ethiopia’s humanitarian crisis, resulting in pledges of almost $630 million, though falling short of the $1 billion sought to assist millions of people facing conflict and climate change in the country. The United States, Ethiopia’s leading humanitarian donor, expressed concerns about its limited resources, while the U.K. warned that Ethiopia may be overshadowed by other global crises. Donors also called on the Ethiopian government to ensure that aid is delivered without interference and reaches those in need, following previous issues with diverted food aid.
Ethiopia is facing several conflicts, including a two-year conflict in the Tigray region that left a majority of its population relying on humanitarian assistance. Despite a peace deal reached in November 2022, donors urged the Ethiopian government to ensure the full implementation of the agreement and peacefully resolve ongoing conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions. The U.S. highlighted the killing of nine aid workers in the Amhara region since April of the previous year and called for enhanced protection measures for humanitarian workers.
Humanitarian organizations have been forced to scale down life-saving operations due to low funding, underscoring the urgent need for additional resources to support the chronically underfunded humanitarian system. The International Committee of the Red Cross emphasized the importance of the pledges made during the gathering to provide essential support in addressing Ethiopia’s ongoing humanitarian crisis. While significant funds were raised, the shortfall from the targeted $1 billion indicates continued challenges in meeting the needs of millions of vulnerable individuals affected by conflict and climate change in the country.
The World Bank has raised concerns about the widening income gap between wealthy and impoverished countries, highlighting the urgent need for increased support for nations facing humanitarian crises such as Ethiopia. Donors at the gathering recognized the unique challenges facing Ethiopia and stressed the importance of sustaining aid efforts to address the complex humanitarian situation in the country. The U.S., as the largest humanitarian donor to Ethiopia, emphasized that its resources are increasingly stretched, underscoring the global competition for limited aid funds and the need for sustained international support.
In response to the ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia, donors emphasized the critical need for the full implementation of peace agreements and the resolution of conflicts in various regions. With millions of people relying on humanitarian assistance, ensuring the effective delivery of aid without interference is essential to addressing the urgent needs of vulnerable populations. While the pledges made during the gathering will provide essential support, additional resources and sustained international cooperation are necessary to address the multifaceted challenges facing Ethiopia and its population.
Overall, the gathering highlighted the complex humanitarian situation in Ethiopia, with donors recognizing the country’s increasing vulnerabilities to conflict, climate change, and other challenges. While significant funds were raised to support humanitarian efforts, the shortfall from the targeted goal underscores the ongoing need for additional resources and sustained international support. Donors called for enhanced protection measures for aid workers, the full implementation of peace agreements, and the peaceful resolution of ongoing conflicts to address the urgent needs of millions of people facing hardship in Ethiopia.
