More than 2.1 billion birr, over 87,000mt of food assistance reach Tigray: PM Office

Addis Ababa, June 7, 2022 (FBC) – In a press briefing, Press Secretariat of the Office of the Prime Minister, Billene Seyoum stated that the Government of Ethiopia has continued commitment to expedite humanitarian assistance to people in need in Tigray Region.

Regarding current situation in country and the region, she said the Horn of Africa continues to be affected by drought condition. Some parts of Ethiopia have been affected by dire drought condition, she said, adding that the Government is taking various institutional measures to tackle the situation.

Cluster farming and irrigation based summer wheat production is among the major to address food insecurity inflicted by the drought situation, and ensure sefl-sufficiency.

“Between the time periods from July 2021 to May 2022, 3.2 million beneficiaries affected by both manmade and natural disasters have received assistance,”

Regarding the relief operation into Tigray Region, Billene noted that from July 2021 to June June 3, 2022, over 2.1 billion birr has been transferred to the region in cash.

Over 217 kg of medicine,  130kg of non-food items including shelters and protection items have been delivered to Tigray Region in the time mentioned, she indicated.

She added that 87,000 metric tonnes of food and 783,000 liters of fuel have been facilitated to Tigray region, the Press Secretariat said.

In April and May 2022 alone, 1306 trucks have arrived in Tigray loaded with humanitarian supplies, excluding aid flights to the region.

She further stated that 19,000 mt of food reached beneficiaries in Afar Region. IDPs who fled their homes due to TPLF aggression in Amhara have also received 244,000 meteric tonnes of food, she noted.

The Government of Ethiopia has continued its commitment to expedite humanitarian assistance to Tigray region although the terrorist TPLF is beating a war drum.

The international community is encouraged to intensify its efforts to meet humanitarian needs in Ethiopia exacerbated by natural disasters including the drought condition.

TPLF appears to prepare for another offence during the coming farming season, and it continues forceful conscript.

TPLF’s atrocities will disrupt agricultural activities and further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Tigray region. Any offence by the TPLF would undermine Government’s effort to avoid another round of conflict,” she added.