Addis Ababa, March 18, 2022 (Walta) – In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that The Federal Government of Ethiopia has been playing constructive roles in facilitating the smooth movement of humanitarian trucks along the Afar route to address the humanitarian needs of the Tigray region.
Accordingly, on Thursday, 20 trucks loaded with food items and 3 trucks carrying fuel tankers started moving from Semera to Mekelle. The number of trucks heading to Tigray on a daily basis will soon be 40 to maximize humanitarian reach and address basic needs in the region.
In addition, 17 humanitarian partners got approval to transport medicines, medical items, and nutrition supplies to the Tigray region as of March 16, 2022. In conformity with the daily update on the cargo airlift from Addis Ababa to Mekelle, more than 11 partners have transported 257,192 kilograms of medicine, medical items, and nutrition supplies.
To put the record straight, it has remained apparent that it was due to renewed attacks in Afar that more than 700,000 people have been displaced and the Humanitarian aid route to Tigray via Aba’ala had been blocked.
It’s also to be recalled that the attacks have been escalated to five woredas of the Kilibeti Resu Zone of the Afar regional State and displaced more than 300,000 people. It needs to be noted that 43 trucks loaded with food items were also kept stranded at Serdo, 38 KM away from Semera.
However, apart from the rigorous efforts and decisions made today, the Government of Ethiopia, once again, reiterates its commitment to address the humanitarian needs in the Tigray region through creating and maximizing a conducive working environment for all partners and boosting inland and air transport to the region.
The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, however, believes that no strings should be attached in protecting the rights and satisfying the humanitarian needs of our people and expects a similar commitment from all actors to let aid keep on flowing to the people. The International Community also is expected to put adequate weight on the matter to sufficiently address relevant concerns.