WFP suspends food distribution in Ethiopia following ‘critical shortage’ of aid
“WFP take this issue extremely seriously and will not tolerate any interference in the distribution of critical food aid to the most vulnerable women, men and children,” the agency said in a statement released Wednesday night.
The agency has already launched a comprehensive researchand “take immediate action to establish all the facts and to strengthen our controls.”
Food distribution is delayed
As a result, WFP has temporarily suspended all food distributions in Tigray, saying that they will not resume until they are sure that the aid will reach its intended recipients.
A violent conflict between the Ethiopian Government forces and the rebel fighters of the People’s Liberation Front of Tigray broke out in November 2020, fought first across the northern region, but spilled over to other parts of northern Ethiopia, which he withdrew the military from Eritrea, with accusations of war crimes committed. on all sides.
Hundreds of thousands are reported to have been killed and despite the cessation of hostilities in early November last year, the serious humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the conflict, has continued.
Working with authorities
WFP said it is working closely with local authorities to identify any individuals involved in diverted aid, and will aim to “close any flaws in the process of identifying and registering beneficiaries.”
“WFP is still strong Reiterating to our cooperation partners that they monitor and report any illegal activitiesand they are enforcing the controls we received,” the statement continued.
‘Strength controls’
The agency said it prides itself on ensuring that donor funds are used well, putting strong controls in place, “in order to better serve the millions of hungry people who depend on WFP for their livelihoods and life changing help.”
WFP notes that 84 percent of the region is in a state of food crisis.
“WFP is fully committed to ensure that emergency food aid reaches those most in need efficiently and effectively.”
