U.N. Mulls Aid Suspension in Ethiopia Amid Attacks on Workers

The United Nations is contemplating halting food aid and relief operations in Ethiopia's Amhara region due to increasing attacks on humanitarian workers. The move, detailed in a leaked draft proposal, has faced opposition from several NGOs and donors concerned about the impact on 2.3 million reliant residents.

The United Nations is weighing a suspension of its relief operations in Ethiopia's Amhara region following a series of deadly attacks on humanitarian workers. The draft proposal was confirmed by diplomats and revealed by Reuters.

Reportedly, within the first half of 2024, there were five aid worker fatalities, with 10 others assaulted or injured, and 11 kidnapped by unknown criminal groups. The proposal marked "internal" was prepared by the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and is under review by the Ethiopia Humanitarian Country Team, including donors and NGOs.

While several NGOs and donor nations have expressed opposition to the possible cessation, stating its detrimental impact on over 2.3 million food aid-dependent individuals, discussions persist. The need for improved safety assurances from Ethiopia's government remains a critical point for the U.N. to resume operations in the Amhara region.

(With inputs from agencies.)