US welcomes Steps Taken to Address Humanitarian Need in N. Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA – The United States commends the delivery of humanitarian assistance over recent days to the Tigray and Afar regions of Ethiopia, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

About 13 convoys carrying food and fuel arrived in the region’s capital via the Afar-Abala-Mekelle road route on Friday. Thirteen more are expected to arrive later today.

The arrival of the WFP convoy came almost a week after the federal government declared “an indefinite humanitarian truce.

Secretary of State Blinken said the United States welcomes the steps by the Government of Ethiopia and regional authorities to implement a cessation of hostilities.

“We commend them on the delivery of humanitarian assistance over recent days to Ethiopians in the Tigray and Afar regions,” said Blinken in a statement.

He said over 100, 000 people will receive food aid from the convoys that have mobilized in the past three days.

“This is an important step toward implementing the cessation of hostilities and addressing the urgent humanitarian needs in both regions,” said Belinken.

He also urged “all parties to build upon this positive humanitarian development to take the difficult next steps to realize peace in northern Ethiopia, adding the US will continue “to assist all Ethiopians” in the country.

Bleinken’s statement came a day after the US Senate passed a Bill that paves a way for the Joe Biden administration to impose more sanctions on Ethiopia.

On Saturday, the federal government reiterated its commitment to work closely with stakeholders to ensure full delivery of aid to people in need.

The government is giving a swift response to provide humanitarian aid using both air and road transport to Tigray since the declaration of the truce, Legesse Tulu, Minister of Government Communication Service, during a press briefing.

Aid agencies are also providing pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, nutrition and other support, said Legesse.

The Minister also urged Tigray militants to withdraw from the Afar and Amhara districts so as to provide the necessary support for the communities.

 

Featured Image Caption: WFP says 13 trucks have arrived safely into Mekelle on Friday [Photo WFP]