In Ethiopia, tensions are rising with the humanitarian community

The humanitarian community in Ethiopia is struggling to cope with the shock wave caused by the expulsion of seven UN officials on Sunday (October 3). “This is a masterpiece room”, Starts the head of an organization based in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. Allegedly interfering in the internal affairs of the country, senior UNICEF officials, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Coordinating Office for Humanitarian Affairs have been declared non-personal.. Very rare results on such a scale.

This sentence illustrates the widening gap between humanitarians and Addis Ababa officials since the start of the Tigris War in November 2020. From the first months of the conflict, the NGOs that provided weapons to the rebels in the north were accused without evidence. Province. In August, the activities of organizations such as Doctors Without Borders or the Norwegian Refugee Council were stopped. This time, the Ethiopian authorities, the UN. Those in charge of the companies are accused of diverting aid and information supplies for the benefit of the rebels, but also politicizing the humanitarian crisis.

However, this is on the rise. In Tigray, there are more than 400,000 people “Beyond the Threshold of Famine”, According to the latest UN estimates, and 5.2 million people need help. The conflict is now spreading in two neighboring areas, Afar and Amhara.

Famine, “Highly Sensitive Stem”

According to several diplomatic sources in Addis Ababa, seven officials are carrying the burden of the recent steps taken by Martin Griffith, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs. The latter pointed the finger at the Ethiopian government, who was responsible, according to him, “A True Humanitarian Siege”Recall that since the end of June only 11% of the required food aid has been provided to Tigray. He also mentioned the Great Famine of 1984 in Ethiopia “Similar drama will never happen again.”

“Famine is a hypersensitive rod for Ethiopian authorities”, A philanthropist in Ethiopia, speaks anonymously. Self-censorship has been going on for months. Addis Ababa is a form of success, which is eager to silence different voices. Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Tina Mufti, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon He welcomed the eviction of officers and said he would serve “Lesson” To other humanitarian personnel.

For now, these discharges should not have any impact on aid delivery operations in Degrade. “Ethiopia removes UN negotiating authority by beheading the head of its humanitarian organization”, Compiles another support staff.

The United Nations and five European nations have called for a new meeting of the UN Security Council this week – and this time in general. “At the risk of setting a dangerous precedent, the company should strongly condemn this wonderful decision.”, Promises to a Western diplomat. Since the outbreak of the Tigris war, council members have been unable to reach an agreement due to opposition from some countries, such as Russia.