A continuing siege of Tigray by Ethiopian government forces is frustrating church efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to millions of vulnerable people in the northern region of the nation.
Catholic leaders said people remain isolated and are struggling during the blockade that has lasted for more than 600 days.
“Millions of people are exposed to severe malnutrition, starvation and famine-like situation,” reported Father Abraha Hagos, Adigrat Catholic Secretariat Director.
“Millions are still living in (internally displaced people) centres in the different cities, towns, and rural areas … without food, shelter, water, medicine and other basic needs.”
The priest also said banking, transportation and business links remain blocked 20 months after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali ordered a military strike against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, over allegations that they had attacked a national army base.
Relief agencies estimate that more than 5 million people are in urgent need of food and medical supplies.
Allegations of ethnic cleansing by Ethiopian forces have also surfaced.
“Since March, small quantities of food and medicine have entered the region via land transport and airlifts following a humanitarian truce,” said Fr Hagos.
“Still, the lack of fuel and cash has meant that aid cannot reach people most in need.
“(We) would like to call upon all partners and humanitarian organizations to (speak) for the people for their unlimited humanitarian access.”
Voice of America said the Ethiopian government has denied blocking aid shipments and claimed that rebel forces are making such claims in an advance of another round of fighting.
Another priest, who asked not to be identified because of safety concerns, told Catholic News Service “things are still very bleak for the people of Tigray”.
“What is reaching the area in terms of food aid is too little, and yet cannot be transported due to lack of fuel following the siege.
“We are seeing systematic starvation — a kind of weaponized starvation,” the priest said.
Prime Minister Ali has been quoted in news reports saying the government “wants peace with everyone” and has established a government negotiating team of seven members.
Debretsion Gebremichael, president of the Tigray region and chairman of the TPLF, also expressed his side’s preparedness for negotiations, but has stressed that talks must address the fundamental principles of human rights, democracy and accountability.
