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Finding Tigray — Highlighting the Current Conflict in Ethiopia
Ethiopia, on the Northeastern side of Africa, is the second most populated country in Africa. Despite this, Ethiopia receives little attention in U.S. media and even less in popular understanding or knowledge. The only reference for many from my generation are the images of starving children that filled our TV screen in the 80’s. Ethiopia is much more than that, but famine is again a real threat in Ethiopia, particularly the Tigray region. Not because there is not enough food, but rather because war in the region makes access to food and humanitarian aid a real struggle.
The large majority of food aid sent to Ethiopia is not reaching the people who need it most as conflict and governmental decisions inhibit food access.
War in the Tigray region, in Northern Ethiopia along its border with Eritrea is increasing the challenges that already faced the nation. Eritrea and Ethiopia joined together to fight against the Tigrary People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in the area. The military engagement and actions, especially of the Eritrean forces are brutal with many violations of human right and attacks against civilians dominating the mode of conflict in the region.
Ethiopia’s prime minister, Abiy, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. However, many now believe that award was premature. His…
