Ethiopians and refugees that rely on food aid from the United Nations World Food Program have been struggling for approximately five months, due to the pause of resources being sent to Ethiopia. This halt occurred because of the ongoing theft of rations that were being sold to markets and commercial mills. Ever since the civil war that lasted two years and relentless drought, more than 20 million people have needed food assistance in Ethiopia (1). There was a seven-year support package that was supposed to be sent in 2021, however, conflict with Tigray and thievery deferred it. Without aid, it is causing devastating consequences; many civilians are dying of hunger. As an attempt to reduce theft, the World Food Program will distribute wheat to 100,000 people in specific districts in northern Ethiopia to ensure control for delivering food aid (2). The responsibility of disbursing food aid now belongs to humanitarian groups, rather than the Ethiopian government, which was linked to the schemes of stealing. The aid package is planned to support the development of Ethiopia by promoting democratic governing and reconstruction/assistance for citizens. The hope is that this will help to alleviate the suffering of the Ethiopian people and create a brighter future for the country.
US food assistance includes the distribution of wheat to Ethiopia.
This is so fascinating! Thank you Shreeya!