Addis Ababa, February 2, 2022 (FBC) – In a press briefing, State Minister of Government Communications Service, Selamawit Kassa said that the already started African Union Summit has provided Ethiopia and Ethiopians with a best opportunity to thank African brothers and sisters who stood with the nation during times of need.
“Although many countries were urging to leave Addis Ababa in the pretext of the conflict, African leaders didn’t make any call to their nationals, rather they showed their strong solidarity with Ethiopia and its people during such trying times,” Selamawit underlined.
The decision made by the Africans to hold this year’s AU Session in Addis Ababa another testament that show how Africans stand in Solidarity with Ethiopia, she said.
The government of Ethiopia has undertaken various fruitful activities to hold the ongoing AU session successfully and peacefully, the State Minister said.
Government has formed a national Security Taskforce comprising the federal police, republican guard, National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), Addis Ababa and Oromia police that is working round the clock to prevent any security threats and ensure peace while the session, she added.
All concerned bodies and stakeholders along with residents of Addis Ababa are working hard to secure peace and security and safeguard guests.
The session has createed an opportunity to show the world that there is not peace and security threat in the capital and the country at large, she said. “The platform has also enabled Ethiopia and Ethiopians to say thank you to their African brothers and sisters who are always with their side,” she added.
To contain spread of COVID 19, various measures are being taken, and the protocol is being observed strictly as per the commitment Ethiopia has so far made ahead of the nation, Selamawit indicated.
On the other topic, the State Minister state that Ethiopians in three regional states have been affected the current drought situation. The drought has triggered loss of a great number of livestock in affected areas, she said.
Areas have been affected by the drought condition are well identified and humanitarian supports are being delivered to the areas, she underlined.
In Somali Regional State, drought occurred in 9 zones where 960,000 people have been affected and receiving daily emergency aid.
Until December, 2021, 558,000 quintals of food have been distributed to 1.7 million people. And 964,000 pastoralists received food aid including child nutritious food supplies.
WFP along with several partners has allocated 255 million birr financial support to over 311,000 beneficiaries to receive the in cash support soon. The government in partnership with partners will continue the support, she said.
In Borena Zone of Oromia Region, 166,000 people have been exposed to the drought and are receiving daily food aid. 426,000 are receiving humanitarian aid. Till July, 69,000 quintals of food have been distributed to these people, she said. Over 41,000 quintals of addition food aid is under distribution, she indicate. She reaffirmed the commitment of the government to continue the support in partnership with various stakeholders.
In East Bale, 251,000 people have been affected by the drought as the government has appropriated over 42,000 quintals of food that are under distribution to these communities, she noted.
South Region. South Omo. 77,000 peple are exposed for the drought. Daily. Over 11,000 quintals of food is being distributed to these people.
From July, 41,000 flights have been conducted to Tigray Region, she said.Over 50 partners are participating in the relief operation in the region including financial support.
ICRC along with three other partners are taking part in the relief operation. ICRC with support of facilitation made by the government has delivered medicines and medical supplies to the Tigray region with two humanitarian flights, she indicated.
Although the government is working to facilitate land transport humanitarian support to the Tigray region, the terrorist TPLF has blocked the only route to the relief operation via Ab’ala with the renewed attack it launched in Afar Region. 43 WFP humanitarian trucks have retuned half way to Mekelle due to the fresh attack opened by the TPLF, she said.
The TPLF has clearly shown its intent to the world that it is using the people of Tigray as a hostage.
It is to be recalled that the terrorist TPLF plundered over 100,000 quintals of food aid from humanitarian warehouses located in Kombolcha, Amhara region.