The Government of Ethiopia has been doing all it could to ensure a speedy and safe delivery of humanitarian aid to those affected in Tigray region. However, very recently, TPLF has launched a new aggression in Abala town, in the Afar region. By doing so, TPLF has literally blocked the last operating land aid corridor to the people of Tigray.

Despite all these hurdles and against all odds, ICRC in cooperation with the Government of Ethiopia continues to deliver medical equipment in consecutive flights to Mekelle, Tigray’s capital.

In fact, the Government of Ethiopia has also demonstrated its practical commitment to facilitate humanitarian assistance to Tigray by reducing the number of checkpoints; and increasing the amount of cash that humanitarian agencies bring to the region. Since July 2021, 1.48 billion Birr worth of Nutrition supplies and about 128 million Birr worth of medical supplies delivered to Tigray through access facilitated by the Government. Last week permission was given to 118 WFP aid trucks to transport aid to Tigray region. 19 other aid trucks seized in Kombolcha were also released.

Sadly, the TPLF has commandeered over 1000 aid trucks that it confiscated with an ill-tuned aim of discrediting the federal government. The terrorist group is still bent on misleading the international community claiming that truck drivers refused to return to work fearing retribution by the government. Apparently, the government made it clear to donors that it stood ready to give blanket amnesty to every truck driver that is on a mission in the Tigray Region. The government has also proposed to create a buffer zone which could possibly be run by the United Nations humanitarian agencies whereby swapping of drivers could be managed for those who do not wish to travel outside of Tigray.

It should be noted that it is the TPLF that held hostage the people of Tigray. The International community should therefore put the blame on TPLF, which is deliberately obstructing aid delivery.