U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Holds Talks with Afar Region President

ADDIS ABABA – The United States Chargé d’Affaires in Ethiopia, Ambassador Tracey Jacobson, met with the Awol Arba, president of Afar Region and pledged “continued support from the US” for people displaced by the conflict.

The meeting took place during Ambassador Jacobson’s visit to the region’s capital Semera on Thursday, the US embassy said in a statement issued today.

The Chargé d’Affaires “pledged continued support from the U.S. towards the region’s recovery, including direct humanitarian aid for those displaced by the conflict,” it added.

According to the embassy, the U.S. has committed roughly $90 million in Afar, including $40 million in urgently needed humanitarian aid, so far in 2022.

Apart from the regional president, Ambassador Jacobson met with Semera University President, Dr. Mohammed Usman, as well as members of several Afar region-based youth organizations and clan leaders.

“Throughout these discussions, the Chargé d’Affaires reiterated USAID’s support for Afar’s long-term development as well as immediate humanitarian needs,” the embassy said.

“These discussions were an opportunity for Ambassador Jacobson to hear firsthand about the region’s concerns and needs,” it added.

Afar region is among the most affected during the recent invasion by TPLF forces who are accused of destroying several public facilities.

More than 40,000 children are still out of school in Afar Regional State, from 90,000 students who were taking class before the invasion, said Deresa Mohammed, the region’s Education Bureau, on Thursday.

Apart from the post war traumatic, damages brought to class rooms, dining rooms and water facilities by the designated-terrorist group have made it difficult for the students to go back to school, he added.

 

Featured Photo Caption: The US Chargé d’Affaires in Ethiopia, Ambassador Jacobson, met with the Afar Regional President Awol in Semera on March 30, 2022.[Photo US Embassy]