Addis Ababa: Briefing the media today, the minister pointed out that there is no evidence that the drought which has occurred in four zones of Tigray region has evolved into famine.
Recall that the interim administration issued a statement claiming that the region is on the brink of humanitarian emergency of massive scale, reminiscent of the catastrophic famine of 1984/85 that resulted in extensive loss of life.
According to the minister, comparing the famine crisis of 1984/5 to the current drought in the region is completely wrong.
‘The statement is an approach that mixes politics with humanitarian issue. And such a crisis should be declared by the federal government through the National Disaster Risk Council,’ he added.
Therefore, Legesse underscored that political propaganda under the disguise of public interest is not acceptable.
Drought has indeed occurred in four zones in Tigray region and the federal government is providing assistance not only more than in other places but also sufficient enough.
T
he minister pointed out that no one person has died due to hunger in any region in Ethiopia, despite disruption of humanitarian supplies.
Natural and man-made disasters in Amhara, Tigray, Afar and other regions have affected 3.8 million people, he revealed, adding that 1.5 million people have also been affected by floods.
The government has been providing humanitarian assistance to the vulnerable communities, the minister stated.
Since July, 2023, more than 15.2 billion Birr worth humanitarian aid has been provided for vulnerable communities in cooperation with international institutions.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency