By Reade Levinson and Giulia Paravicini
According to a draft proposal seen by Multibagger, the United Nations is considering suspending relief operations, including food aid deliveries, in Ethiopia's Amhara region due to deadly attacks on humanitarian workers. The document reveals that five aid workers were killed, 10 were assaulted, and 11 were kidnapped in the first half of 2024.
The potential cessation of relief operations has sparked opposition from several NGOs and donors, as it could have a devastating impact on over 2.3 million people in Amhara who rely on food aid for survival. The region is also a crucial destination for refugees fleeing the conflict in neighboring Sudan.
The conflict in Amhara escalated in July 2023, leading to clashes between Ethiopia's army and Amhara Fano militiamen. The situation worsened after the civil war between Addis Ababa and the Tigray People's Liberation Front, where accusations of using starvation as a weapon of war emerged.
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has proposed the suspension of relief operations, citing the safety concerns of aid workers. The Ethiopian government would need to make commitments to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers before operations can resume.
Analysis:
The potential suspension of relief operations in Ethiopia's Amhara region could have far-reaching implications for the millions of people who rely on food aid. The safety of humanitarian workers is paramount to ensure the delivery of aid to those in need. Investors and financial markets should monitor the situation closely, as any disruption in relief efforts could impact stability in the region and potentially affect global markets.