The food crisis in Tigray camps is causing tremendous restlessness among people in Tigray. Tigray has had its share of violence over the past few days. The war is yet to subside completely. This has attracted the attention of the UN humanitarian sector. Furthermore, The UN is still negotiating for access to the region to allow food and other medical aid supplies. It’s almost a month since the Ethiopian Prime Minister launched a military operation against the Tigray’s People Liberation Front (TPLF). Consequently, six million people neighboring Eritrea have been ruled into the northern region.
Inaccessible Refugee Camps
Since the onset of the disputes, humanitarian groups’ efforts to access the refugee camp have been futile. All communication or any means of transport to the region are completely inaccessible. UN and other humanitarian agencies have tried to make pleas to allow them to get aid to the campers. But it seems their pleas are all falling on deaf ears.
The UN refugee agency spokesman, Babar Baloch, gave a brief explanation of the matter at hand. With no contacts at all from the refugees, Babar fears for the lives of the campers. Ongoing reports are claiming that abductions are on the rise. Possible recruitment in and around the camping sites as well might be taking place. After all, it is almost a month now with no access to the welfare of the people.
Food supply crisis in Tigray Camps
Babar also has reason to believe campers are making those exits. Majorly as a result of the reigning conflicts. But Babar believes that the camp suffers from a lack of food. As a result, people are moving out in search of food from other regions in Tigray. Baloch confirms that by now, the food and supplies that were in the camp must have depleted. Hence, hunger and malnutrition in the Tigray camps are quite inevitable if the cut off persists.
Aside from the food crisis, health care is facing quite the hardships. A report from the International Committee of the Red cross surfaced explaining the situation in hospitals. Medical supplies are running out. Yet, people are still being injured due to disputes and require medical attention.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy, remains adamant
Abiy has strongly rejected the idea of having a dialogue with TPLF leaders. The TPLF leaders are not giving up on the fight despite the government’s declaration of victory in the region. Apparently, the government has seized Makelle, the region’s Capital. To be on the same page with the humanitarian agencies, the government agreed to create a `humanitarian corridor.` This is contrary to what the agencies expect. In fact, the UN wants neutral access free from any form of hindrance whatsoever.
Eritrea has been receiving help from the Ethiopian state for quite a long time. This war only serves to disrupt the peace which Eritrea’s refugees were having. However, the living conditions were not that promising. These refugees residing at the border are at much more risk compared to before. And with the abduction suspicions going, humanitarian agencies are not pleased. Filippo Grandi, the UN refugee agency chief, condemns the act, stating it violates norms. This serves as a major reason for them to further attend to the people and ensure they are safe.
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