EU provides €61 million in humanitarian aid amidst rapidly deteriorating situation in Ethiopia

Amid fears of renewed conflict in Northern Ethiopia, the European Union is providing €61 million in humanitarian funding to help the most vulnerable people in Ethiopia affected by conflict, displacement, disease outbreaks and climate-related hazards, including the impact of El Niño.

The European Union is deeply concerned by the rapidly deteriorating situation in Northern Ethiopia and its impact on the population, including reports of military activity across multiple localities, as well as the take-over of Mekelle, Axum and Shire airports in Tigray by the Tigray People's Liberation Front forces. Over the past weeks the EU has followed with concern the several drone strikes conducted by the Ethiopian National Defence Force. The EU calls for immediate de-escalation, protection of civilians and unimpeded humanitarian access.

Humanitarian needs in Ethiopia remain high, particularly in conflict-affected, hard-to-reach areas and in Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, Oromia and Tigray. The country hosts large refugee populations, and conflicts in neighbouring Sudan and South Sudan result in massive sudden influxes. Ethiopia is also regularly affected by climate-induced hazards, further exacerbating needs.

The EU funding will provide lifesaving and protection assistance to the people most in need. It will support emergency food assistance and nutrition, healthcare, access to water, sanitation and hygiene services, protection, shelter and essential household items, as well as education in emergencies. The funding will also strengthen rapid emergency response to sudden crises as well as anticipatory and disaster preparedness actions. Particular attention will be given to recently displaced people, refugees and affected host communities.