The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced the temporary suspension of its food assistance to the Tigray region of Ethiopia due to the discovery that the food aid intended for the people of the region, who are suffering from famine-like conditions, was being diverted and sold on the local market.
USAID Administrator Samantha Power called it a difficult decision but said it was necessary to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. The Tigray region has been embroiled in conflict since November 2020 between the regional ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), and the Ethiopian National Defense Force.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has decided to temporarily halt its food assistance to Ethiopia's Tigray region, citing the discovery of diversion and sale of food aid meant for the region's famine-stricken people on the local market. Despite acknowledging that the decision was difficult, USAID Administrator Samantha Power confirmed that the agency had launched an investigation into the matter and sent leaders from its Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance to Ethiopia. The agency's Office of the Inspector General is also looking into the situation. Power revealed that the U.S. government has expressed its concerns to officials from the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray Interim Regional Administration, who have expressed their willingness to collaborate with the U.S. to identify and hold accountable those responsible. USAID will restart the program once it is satisfied with the oversight measures and confident that assistance will reach the intended vulnerable populations.
Following a two-year conflict between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has temporarily suspended its food assistance program to the Tigray region due to the discovery of food aid being diverted and sold on the local market. The matter has been referred to the Office of the Inspector General for investigation, and the USAID has sent leaders to Ethiopia before deciding on the temporary pause. While other vital assistance, such as life-saving nutritional supplements, safe drinking water, and support for agricultural activities and development, will continue, the pause in food aid has had a severe impact on already suffering civilians. The U.S. government has raised concerns with Ethiopian officials and remains committed to supporting the Ethiopian people.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced the suspension of food assistance to the Tigray region in Ethiopia, after discovering that food aid intended for famine-stricken people was being diverted and sold on the local market. The diversion scheme is being investigated by the Office of the Inspector General, and USAID leaders from the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance were sent to Ethiopia to address the issue. While acknowledging that the pause in food aid has dealt another blow to already suffering civilians, USAID Administrator Samantha Power has emphasized the continuation of other vital assistance, such as life-saving nutritional supplements, safe drinking water, and support for agricultural activities and development.