Addis Ababa/New York: For the first time since October 18, 2021, a convoy of almost 40 trucks with humanitarian aids departed for the conflict zone of Tigray from Semera in northern Ethiopia. The trucks carrying food, medicines and other essentials departed Semera on November 23, 2021.
However, there were trucks containing fuel and medical supplies still waiting in Semera pending clearance from the authorities as on November 24, reports that still need updation, suggested.
With the humanitarian situation in Tigray continuing to deteriorate, it is critical that a regular flow of humanitarian aid into the region is established. “As we have noted previously, 500 trucks of humanitarian supplies are required per week,” Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the United Nations Secretary‑General, stated in New York.
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On a more positive note, the UN informed that its Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) flights to the capital city of Tigray, Mekelle, was resumed on November 24, following their suspension on October 22, 2021.
As a result, UN and humanitarian partners were able to rotate staff in and out of Tigray and transfer a limited amount of operational cash, Haq said.
However, UN humanitarian partners on the ground continue to report significant challenges due to cash shortages for operations. Haq though said they continue to respond to urgent and growing needs across northern Ethiopia, including in Amhara and Afar despite what continues to be an extremely challenging operating environment.
Meanwhile, in the Amhara region – another troubled spot that shares its boundaries with Tigray – a major food assistance operation has started in Kombolcha and Dessie towns, targeting more than 450,000 people over the next two weeks, the UN informed.
– global bihari bureau
