A severe starvation crisis is unfolding in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, with reports indicating that people are dying due to a lack of food and medical supplies. This dire situation has been exacerbated by blocked humanitarian aid, with relief organisations facing significant hurdles in delivering essential assistance to those in need.
The crisis has prompted calls from the international community for immediate action to ensure the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to the affected areas. Disturbing images of severely malnourished individuals have emerged, underscoring the urgency of the situation and the need for a swift and effective intervention.
According to sources, government forces have been accused of restricting communication in the Amhara Region. These restrictions include confiscating phones and monitoring communications, actions that are believed to be an attempt to suppress information about the extent of the crisis.
The USAID-supported Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) has reported that large parts of northern and eastern Ethiopia experienced ‘crisis’ levels of food insecurity between August and September 2024. Furthermore, parts of Afar, Tigray, and Amhara in the north were classified as being in the ‘emergency’ category, indicating a critical situation in these areas.
FEWS NET has also highlighted the impact of ongoing conflict on food insecurity in the region. They stated that: “The armed conflict between the Ethiopian National Defense Force and Fano militia in Amhara region continued in August [2024]. Transportation is disrupted due to road restrictions, hampering trade into and out of the region and affecting the supply of food and non-food commodities on local markets.” This disruption to transportation and trade has further contributed to the worsening food crisis in Amhara.
The combination of conflict, restricted access to aid, and communication challenges are creating a perfect storm in Ethiopia. The international community has been urged to prioritise the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid and address the complex factors fuelling this devastating crisis.
