Looting of humanitarian commodities unacceptable: U.S. Congressmen

Addis Ababa, August 25, 2022 (FBC) – On 24 August 2022, U.S. congressmen Gregory W. Meeks and Michael T. McCaul, Chair and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said looting of humanitarian are unacceptable in their statement regarding the current situation in Ethiopia.

The representatives said that they are deeply concerned by reports of renewed hostilities from all sides in the conflict. “All acts of aggression and sabotage, including the looting of humanitarian commodities, are unacceptable and only prolong the suffering of vulnerable populations already facing a dire humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia.”

“We urge all sides to de-escalate tensions immediately, adhere to the ceasefire, and return to the negotiating table. We also call on our partners in the international community to remain focused on promoting a peaceful end to this crisis. Ethiopia’s future depends on all parties to this conflict operating in good faith in finding a path to a lasting peace.”

The United Nations reported on Wednesday that a World Food Programme warehouse in Mekelle, Ethiopia was forcibly entered by Tigrayan forces who took 12 fuel tankers with 570,000 liters of fuel.