Tigray at risk of Famine- warns UN

United Nations has warned, “there is a risk of famine in Tigray region, if assistance is not provided urgently”. According to officials of UN, measures need to be taken to avoid famine in Ethiopia Tigray region.

What is the issue?

Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, had ordered ground and air military operation in Tigray in November 2020. Operations were launched after accusing then-ruling party of northern region, that is Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), of attacking on federal army camps. This operation is in seventh month now. Conflict has killed about thousands of people and left about five million in need of aid.

Current situation in Tigray

About 20 percent of population in war-torn area is facing emergency food insecurity. Destruction and violence against civilians are still continuing. In about seven months, about two million people have been displaced. Civilians are being killed and injured. Rape and similar forms of abhorrent sexual violence are widespread. Public and private infrastructure like hospitals and agricultural lands have been destroyed. As a result of which, 90 percent of the harvest was lost and 80 percent of livestock were looted or slaughtered.

Tigray People’s Liberation Front

It is a militia-turned-party. The party was part of coalition which brought an end to military dictatorship in 1991.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2021