5.2 million lives at risk in Northern Ethiopia

The humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region continues to worsen, with the United Nations warning that non-governmental organizations might be forced to halt their operations, unless humanitarian supplies, fuel and cash are delivered to the region soon. 

The development threatens the lives of 5.2 million people who are currently in need of aid supplies in the region. 

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said tensions are restricting the movement of humanitarian supplies along the only available route from Semera to Abala to Mekelle. "No trucks carrying humanitarian supplies have been able to enter Tigray since December 15," Dujarric said at a news briefing on Thursday.

He said that since July 12, only 1,338 trucks have been able to enter Tigray with supplies, which is less than 12 percent of the requirement. "We need about 100 trucks every day to meet the humanitarian need of people in Tigray," Dujarric said.

As of Jan 3, parties distributing food in Tigray had only around 10,000 liters of fuel left. This is against the 60,000 liters of fuel required to dispatch around 4,000 metric tons of food supplies that are currently available in Mekelle.

Dujarric said limited movement because of the fuel shortage is also frustrating efforts to assess the situation in different areas. "There may be even greater need that we are not aware of because of fuel shortages, that limits our ability to move," he said.

Dujarric said Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary-general, has been active on the phone, speaking with leaders of several countries that can have a positive influence on the situation. He is also in touch with various African Union mediators.

According to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, new displacements continue to be reported, including from Afar and Amhara regions and the Western Zone of Tigray, creating more humanitarian crises. 

Dujarric said aid organizations continue to provide critical assistance, despite the challenges. "We urgently call on all parties to allow unimpeded and sustained access to people in Tigray, Amhara and Afar," he said. 

Meanwhile, three Eritrean refugees, including two children, were killed by an airstrike that hit Mai Aini refugee camp in Tigray region on Thursday.

Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said four other refugees were injured but noted that their lives are not at risk.

"Refugees are not and should never be a target. Refugee settlements must always be protected, in line with their international legal obligations," Grandi said.

"While UN High Commissioner for Refugees continues to gather and corroborate details on the events, I reiterate UN High Commissioner for Refugees' call on all parties to the conflict to respect the rights of all civilians, including refugees."

The Ethiopian government forces and the fighters of the Tigray People's Liberation Front have been fighting since November 2020.