Tensions are rising in western Tigray, Ethiopia, as renewed clashes spark fears of another wave of conflict in the region. Local authorities and humanitarian agencies warn of escalating violence affecting civilians and disrupting relief efforts. Analysts fear that without intervention, the situation could destabilize the wider region and threaten peace agreements signed earlier.

Ethiopia: Fears of Renewed Conflict in Tigray as Clashes Escalate

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Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has accused the rebel group of attempting to convert Ethiopia like Libya and Syria.

In a written declaration, he said that "They are set to destroy a country - not to build it."

He also urges citizens to support the war effort, saying "victory over the threat posed by our enemies is unattainable if we do not work together."

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Joint Investigation Team Report of the EHRC and UNOHCHR findings: 
 
- claim of ‘genocide’ as false and utterly lacking of any factual basis 
 
- allegation that the Government used hunger as a ‘weapon of war’ is without merit <a href="https://t.co/yPAvQuXmd3">https://t.co/yPAvQuXmd3</a>
— Office of the Prime Minister - Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMEthiopia/status/1455830782107324416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He urged Ethiopians to step up their efforts to battle opposing Tigray troops, who claim to have captured important cities along a vital route leading to the capital, and a fresh round of ethnic Tigrayan detentions has begun. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-declares-nationwide-emergency-as-insurgents-threaten-the-capital-426337">Also Read | Ethiopia declares nationwide emergency as insurgents threaten the capital</a>

A move on Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, marks a new phase in a war that has claimed the lives of thousands of people since fighting erupted a year ago between Ethiopian and allied forces and Tigray forces, which had long dominated the national government before Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office in 2018.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Tigray People's Liberation Front members." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abc8a814-508f-4145-a055-84dd4118c301" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_179.jpg" />

The Tigray troops seized possession of the main cities of Dessie and Kombolcha over the weekend, despite the federal government's denials, while Legesse alleged that Tigray soldiers massacred over 100 youngsters in Kombolcha overnight.&nbsp; 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuel-shortages-block-food-aid-in-famine-threatened-tigray-un-423100">Fuel shortages block food aid in famine-threatened Tigray: UN</a>

On the other hand, a UN-led inquiry into alleged atrocities in Ethiopia determined that all parties in the year-long battle in the Tigray area committed severe violations that might be considered crimes against humanity and war crimes. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-forces-conduct-airstrikes-on-tigray-amid-humanitarian-crisis-421798">Ethiopian forces conduct airstrikes on Tigray amid humanitarian crisis</a>

The study was revealed on Wednesday as the nation enters a new state of emergency, with opposing Tigray troops threatening to push on Addis Ababa.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has accused the rebel group of attempting to convert Ethiopia like Libya and Syria. In a written declaration, he said that "They are set to destroy a country - not to build it.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has accused the rebel group of attempting to convert Ethiopia like Libya and Syria. In a written declaration, he said that "They are set to destroy a country - not to build it." He also urges citizens to support the war effort, saying "victory over the threat posed by our enemies is unattainable if we do not work together." Joint Investigation Team Report of the EHRC and UNOHCHR findings: - claim of ‘genocide’ as false and utterly lacking of any factual basis - allegation that the Government used hunger as a ‘weapon of war’ is without merit https://t.co/yPAvQuXmd3 — Office of the Prime Minister - Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) November 3, 2021 × He urged Ethiopians to step up their efforts to battle opposing Tigray troops, who claim to have captured important cities along a vital route leading to the capital, and a fresh round of ethnic Tigrayan detentions has begun. Also Read | Ethiopia declares nationwide emergency as insurgents threaten the capital A move on Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, marks a new phase in a war that has claimed the lives of thousands of people since fighting erupted a year ago between Ethiopian and allied forces and Tigray forces, which had long dominated the national government before Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office in 2018. The Tigray troops seized possession of the main cities of Dessie and Kombolcha over the weekend, despite the federal government's denials, while Legesse alleged that Tigray soldiers massacred over 100 youngsters in Kombolcha overnight. Also Read | Fuel shortages block food aid in famine-threatened Tigray: UN On the other hand, a UN-led inquiry into alleged atrocities in Ethiopia determined that all parties in the year-long battle in the Tigray area committed severe violations that might be considered crimes against humanity and war crimes. Also Read | Ethiopian forces conduct airstrikes on Tigray amid humanitarian crisis The study was revealed on Wednesday as the nation enters a new state of emergency, with opposing Tigray troops threatening to push on Addis Ababa. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia's rebel alliance 'set to destroy' the country: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed

As fighters from Tigray's northern province prepared to march on Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's cabinet issued a statewide state of emergency, effective immediately. Authorities in Addis Ababa warned civilians to prepare to protect the capital.&nbsp;

The steps were taken after the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) rebel group, which has been fighting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration for over a year, made reported progress.&nbsp;

"The state of emergency is aimed to protect civilians from atrocities being committed by the terrorist TPLF group in several parts of the country," state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting reported. 
 
WATCH:

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The six-month state of emergency allows for the establishment of roadblocks, the disruption of transportation services, the imposition of curfews, and the military's takeover of particular districts, among other things. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-forces-conduct-airstrikes-on-tigray-amid-humanitarian-crisis-421798">Ethiopian forces conduct airstrikes on Tigray amid humanitarian crisis</a>

Everyone suspected of having ties to "terrorist" organisations may be imprisoned without a court order, and anyone above the age of military duty could be drafted to fight.&nbsp; 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuel-shortages-block-food-aid-in-famine-threatened-tigray-un-423100">Fuel shortages block food aid in famine-threatened Tigray: UN</a>

According to state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate, the measure also empowers authorities to conscript "any military-age person who owns weapons" or suspend any media outlets suspected of "giving moral support directly or indirectly" to the TPLF.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As fighters from Tigray's northern province prepared to march on Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's cabinet issued a statewide state of emergency, effective immediately. Authorities in Addis Ababa warned civilians to prepare to protect the capital.

As fighters from Tigray's northern province prepared to march on Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's cabinet issued a statewide state of emergency, effective immediately. Authorities in Addis Ababa warned civilians to prepare to protect the capital. The steps were taken after the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) rebel group, which has been fighting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration for over a year, made reported progress. "The state of emergency is aimed to protect civilians from atrocities being committed by the terrorist TPLF group in several parts of the country," state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting reported. WATCH: The six-month state of emergency allows for the establishment of roadblocks, the disruption of transportation services, the imposition of curfews, and the military's takeover of particular districts, among other things. Also Read | Ethiopian forces conduct airstrikes on Tigray amid humanitarian crisis Everyone suspected of having ties to "terrorist" organisations may be imprisoned without a court order, and anyone above the age of military duty could be drafted to fight. Also Read | Fuel shortages block food aid in famine-threatened Tigray: UN According to state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate, the measure also empowers authorities to conscript "any military-age person who owns weapons" or suspend any media outlets suspected of "giving moral support directly or indirectly" to the TPLF. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia declares nationwide emergency as insurgents threaten the capital

Rebellious Tigrayan forces said on Saturday they had seized the strategic town of Dessie in Ethiopia's Amhara region where tens of thousands of ethnic Amharas have sought refuge from an escalation in fighting, but the government denied this.

The fighters pushed Ethiopian government forces from Dessie and were headed towards the town of Kombolcha, Getachew Reda, spokesperson for the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), told Reuters by satellite phone from an undisclosed location.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-forces-conduct-airstrikes-on-tigray-amid-humanitarian-crisis-421798">Ethiopian forces conduct airstrikes on Tigray amid humanitarian crisis</a>

He said Tigrayan forces had captured numerous Ethiopian soldiers.

Legesse Tulu, the government spokesperson, told Reuters in a text message that the town was still under the control of the Ethiopian government and said claims by the Tigrayan forces were "fabricated propaganda".

Ethiopian military spokesman Colonel Getnet Adane referred Reuters to the federal government. Amhara spokesperson Gizachew Muluneh, the mayor of Dessie and a spokesperson for the town did not respond to requests for comment.

Reuters could not independently verify the account of either side as phone lines in Dessie appeared to be down as of Saturday afternoon.

The capture of Dessie would be a strategic gain for the Tigrayan fighters against the central government forces who are trying to dislodge them from the Amhara region.

The large town is some 385 km (240 miles) from the capital, Addis Ababa, and is the furthest south in Amhara that the TPLF has reached since pushing into the region in July.

A school director in Dessie said he saw Ethiopian soldiers retreating from the town on Saturday morning towards Kombolcha and that power across town had been off since Friday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuel-shortages-block-food-aid-in-famine-threatened-tigray-un-423100">Fuel shortages block food aid in famine-threatened Tigray: UN</a>

Another resident of Dessie also said the town had no power and that the federal army had left. Both said they had heard Tigrayan fighters were in town but had not seen them. Both residents spoke on condition of anonymity.

War broke nearly a year ago between federal troops and the TPLF. Thousands of people have been killed and more than 2 million people have been forced to flee.

Tigrayan forces were initially beaten back, but recaptured most of the region in July and pushed into the neighbouring Amhara and Afar regions.

In mid-October, the Tigrayan forces said the military had launched a ground offensive to push them out of Amhara. The military said on Thursday there was heavy fighting there, but accused the Tigrayan forces of starting it.

Rebellious Tigrayan forces said on Saturday they had seized the strategic town of Dessie in Ethiopia's Amhara region where tens of thousands of ethnic Amharas have sought refuge from an escalation in fighting, but the government denied this.

Rebellious Tigrayan forces said on Saturday they had seized the strategic town of Dessie in Ethiopia's Amhara region where tens of thousands of ethnic Amharas have sought refuge from an escalation in fighting, but the government denied this. The fighters pushed Ethiopian government forces from Dessie and were headed towards the town of Kombolcha, Getachew Reda, spokesperson for the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), told Reuters by satellite phone from an undisclosed location. Also Read | Ethiopian forces conduct airstrikes on Tigray amid humanitarian crisis He said Tigrayan forces had captured numerous Ethiopian soldiers. Legesse Tulu, the government spokesperson, told Reuters in a text message that the town was still under the control of the Ethiopian government and said claims by the Tigrayan forces were "fabricated propaganda". Ethiopian military spokesman Colonel Getnet Adane referred Reuters to the federal government. Amhara spokesperson Gizachew Muluneh, the mayor of Dessie and a spokesperson for the town did not respond to requests for comment. Reuters could not independently verify the account of either side as phone lines in Dessie appeared to be down as of Saturday afternoon. The capture of Dessie would be a strategic gain for the Tigrayan fighters against the central government forces who are trying to dislodge them from the Amhara region. The large town is some 385 km (240 miles) from the capital, Addis Ababa, and is the furthest south in Amhara that the TPLF has reached since pushing into the region in July. A school director in Dessie said he saw Ethiopian soldiers retreating from the town on Saturday morning towards Kombolcha and that power across town had been off since Friday. Also Read | Fuel shortages block food aid in famine-threatened Tigray: UN Another resident of Dessie also said the town had no power and that the federal army had left. Both said they had heard Tigrayan fighters were in town but had not seen them. Both residents spoke on condition of anonymity. War broke nearly a year ago between federal troops and the TPLF. Thousands of people have been killed and more than 2 million people have been forced to flee. Tigrayan forces were initially beaten back, but recaptured most of the region in July and pushed into the neighbouring Amhara and Afar regions. In mid-October, the Tigrayan forces said the military had launched a ground offensive to push them out of Amhara. The military said on Thursday there was heavy fighting there, but accused the Tigrayan forces of starting it.

Tigrayan forces say they have taken town in Ethiopia's Amhara region, government denies

Abiy Ahmed promised a clean break from years of iron-fisted rule in Ethiopia, where he became prime minister in 2018 after several years of anti-government street protests.

Africa's second-most populous nation has witnessed rapid and historic change since Abiy's appointment and in 2019 he won the Nobel Peace Prize.

But war broke out the following year in the northern Tigray region -- where famine now looms large -- and ethnic violence has increased under his rule.&nbsp;

Abiy's ruling party won a landslide victory in national elections in June.

But ahead of his swearing-in Monday, he faces international condemnation and growing isolation over the Tigray conflict.

New hope

Abiy was appointed in April 2018 by Ethiopia's authoritarian ruling coalition after years of agitation by the country's two largest ethnic groups -- the Oromos and Amharas -- forced his predecessor to resign.

Ethiopia's first ever Oromo prime minister, Abiy sparked early hopes of a democratic resurgence. Dissidents were freed from prison, exiles welcomed home and a formal apology issued for state brutality.

He also announced economic reforms, including liberalising parts of Ethiopia's tightly controlled markets, the creation of a stock exchange, and opening state industries to foreign investors.

But he was not universally popular. A grenade attack targeted one of his rallies just two months after he took office.&nbsp;

Peacemaker

In a surprise move, Abiy made peace with neighbouring Eritrea after a 20-year cold war.

Eritrea voted for independence from Ethiopia in 1993. A border dispute then ignited a 1998-2000 war that left 80,000 dead before sliding into a stalemate.

Shortly after taking office, Abiy extended an olive branch by accepting the demarcation of the border as drawn by the UN in 2002. He then paid a historic visit to Eritrea, where both sides declared the war over.

Abiy won his Nobel in large part for instigating the thaw.

State of unrest&nbsp;

The opening of political space under Abiy spurred ethno-nationalism that had long been kept at bay by the repressive former regime.

The Sidama people in the south voted overwhelmingly in 2019 to create their own region, Ethiopia's 10th, and another referendum was held in September 2021 on whether to form a South West region. Other groups also challenged Abiy for greater ethnic self-rule, sometimes drawing a forceful response.

Abiy has struggled to keep a lid on ethnic violence, including in his native Oromia.

In June 2020, the shooting of an Oromo pop singer sparked protests that saw 160 people killed in inter-ethnic violence and clashes with security forces. Opposition leaders were rounded up and jailed.

Oromia has also witnessed massacres blamed on local rebel groups. Meanwhile, hundreds of civilians have been killed in ethnically motivated clashes in Amhara, the second-most populous region.

War in the north

In late 2019, Abiy disbanded Ethiopia's long-ruling coalition and formed the Prosperity Party. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which dominated national politics before Abiy took power, refused to join.

The TPLF complained of being sidelined and openly defied his rule. In September 2020, it held elections in Tigray, ignoring a federal order.

Two months later, Abiy accused the TPLF of orchestrating attacks on federal army camps in Tigray and sent troops into the region, aided by Eritrean forces.&nbsp;

Although he promised swift victory, TPLF rebels retook the Tigray capital Mekele in June and Abiy's government declared a unilateral ceasefire.

Fighting has since spread to neighbouring regions.

Ethiopia has faced censure on the world stage over a dire humanitarian crisis in Tigray, and its troops have been accused of mass rape and ethnic cleansing.&nbsp;

Election woes

Abiy vowed to hold the most credible elections Ethiopia had ever seen to secure a mandate for his reform agenda.

The poll was initially delayed from August 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic and then again until June 21 this year because of logistical setbacks.

The Tigray war, and ethnic unrest elsewhere, made voting impossible in many parts of the country of 115 million people.&nbsp;

Delayed polls were held in some areas on September 30, but the outcome will not have a significant bearing on the balance of power. &nbsp;

Abiy Ahmed promised a clean break from years of iron-fisted rule in Ethiopia, where he became prime minister in 2018 after several years of anti-government street protests.

Abiy Ahmed promised a clean break from years of iron-fisted rule in Ethiopia, where he became prime minister in 2018 after several years of anti-government street protests. Africa's second-most populous nation has witnessed rapid and historic change since Abiy's appointment and in 2019 he won the Nobel Peace Prize. But war broke out the following year in the northern Tigray region -- where famine now looms large -- and ethnic violence has increased under his rule. Abiy's ruling party won a landslide victory in national elections in June. But ahead of his swearing-in Monday, he faces international condemnation and growing isolation over the Tigray conflict. New hope Abiy was appointed in April 2018 by Ethiopia's authoritarian ruling coalition after years of agitation by the country's two largest ethnic groups -- the Oromos and Amharas -- forced his predecessor to resign. Ethiopia's first ever Oromo prime minister, Abiy sparked early hopes of a democratic resurgence. Dissidents were freed from prison, exiles welcomed home and a formal apology issued for state brutality. He also announced economic reforms, including liberalising parts of Ethiopia's tightly controlled markets, the creation of a stock exchange, and opening state industries to foreign investors. But he was not universally popular. A grenade attack targeted one of his rallies just two months after he took office. Peacemaker In a surprise move, Abiy made peace with neighbouring Eritrea after a 20-year cold war. Eritrea voted for independence from Ethiopia in 1993. A border dispute then ignited a 1998-2000 war that left 80,000 dead before sliding into a stalemate. Shortly after taking office, Abiy extended an olive branch by accepting the demarcation of the border as drawn by the UN in 2002. He then paid a historic visit to Eritrea, where both sides declared the war over. Abiy won his Nobel in large part for instigating the thaw. State of unrest The opening of political space under Abiy spurred ethno-nationalism that had long been kept at bay by the repressive former regime. The Sidama people in the south voted overwhelmingly in 2019 to create their own region, Ethiopia's 10th, and another referendum was held in September 2021 on whether to form a South West region. Other groups also challenged Abiy for greater ethnic self-rule, sometimes drawing a forceful response. Abiy has struggled to keep a lid on ethnic violence, including in his native Oromia. In June 2020, the shooting of an Oromo pop singer sparked protests that saw 160 people killed in inter-ethnic violence and clashes with security forces. Opposition leaders were rounded up and jailed. Oromia has also witnessed massacres blamed on local rebel groups. Meanwhile, hundreds of civilians have been killed in ethnically motivated clashes in Amhara, the second-most populous region. War in the north In late 2019, Abiy disbanded Ethiopia's long-ruling coalition and formed the Prosperity Party. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which dominated national politics before Abiy took power, refused to join. The TPLF complained of being sidelined and openly defied his rule. In September 2020, it held elections in Tigray, ignoring a federal order. Two months later, Abiy accused the TPLF of orchestrating attacks on federal army camps in Tigray and sent troops into the region, aided by Eritrean forces. Although he promised swift victory, TPLF rebels retook the Tigray capital Mekele in June and Abiy's government declared a unilateral ceasefire. Fighting has since spread to neighbouring regions. Ethiopia has faced censure on the world stage over a dire humanitarian crisis in Tigray, and its troops have been accused of mass rape and ethnic cleansing. Election woes Abiy vowed to hold the most credible elections Ethiopia had ever seen to secure a mandate for his reform agenda. The poll was initially delayed from August 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic and then again until June 21 this year because of logistical setbacks. The Tigray war, and ethnic unrest elsewhere, made voting impossible in many parts of the country of 115 million people. Delayed polls were held in some areas on September 30, but the outcome will not have a significant bearing on the balance of power.

Transformation to conflict: Ethiopia under Abiy Ahmed

The United States says it has decided to de-link its suspension of millions of dollars of aid to Ethiopia from that country's dispute with Egypt over a massive hydroelectric dam project.&nbsp;

But the State Department early on Friday said that does not mean all the roughly USD 272 million in security and development assistance will immediately start to flow, and it depends on more recent 'developments', an apparent reference to the deadly conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region.&nbsp;

The State Department said humanitarian assistance remains exempt from the aid suspension.&nbsp;

It said it has informed Ethiopia's government. A spokeswoman for Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Ethiopians were furious after former President Donald Trump last year directed the suspension of aid to their country in a rare example of his direct involvement in an African issue.&nbsp;

Ethiopia had left a US-led attempt to mediate the dispute with Egypt, alleging bias.&nbsp;

Trump also caused an uproar by saying downstream Egypt would blow up the dam project that Cairo considers an existential threat.&nbsp;

Ethiopia asserts that the US $4.6 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam that it has nearly completed on the Blue Nile River is essential for development and the pulling of millions of people out of poverty. Egypt says it threatens its water supply.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-affirms-support-for-normalisation-of-ties-between-israel-arab-nations-364613">Biden affirms support for normalisation of ties between Israel, Arab nations</a>

Ethiopia is now under pressure from the US and others including the European Union and United Nations over the deadly fighting in its northern Tigray region, where some six million people have been largely cut off from the world since fighting began in November between Ethiopian and allied forces and Tigray ones.&nbsp;

Witness accounts have emerged of massacres, people beginning to starve to death and the presence of thousands of soldiers from neighbouring Eritrea, which Ethiopia's government has denied.&nbsp;

The US has said Eritrean soldiers should immediately leave Ethiopia. And earlier this week, a State Department spokesperson said we remain gravely concerned by the widespread humanitarian suffering and reported human rights abuses in the Tigray region.&nbsp;

The spokesperson urged an immediate end to the fighting in Tigray, full and unhindered humanitarian access, an independent investigation into the human rights violations and abuses and for those responsible to be held accountable.

The United States says it has decided to de-link its suspension of millions of dollars of aid to Ethiopia from that country's dispute with Egypt over a massive hydroelectric dam project.

The United States says it has decided to de-link its suspension of millions of dollars of aid to Ethiopia from that country's dispute with Egypt over a massive hydroelectric dam project. But the State Department early on Friday said that does not mean all the roughly USD 272 million in security and development assistance will immediately start to flow, and it depends on more recent 'developments', an apparent reference to the deadly conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region. The State Department said humanitarian assistance remains exempt from the aid suspension. It said it has informed Ethiopia's government. A spokeswoman for Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed did not immediately respond to a request for comment. × Ethiopians were furious after former President Donald Trump last year directed the suspension of aid to their country in a rare example of his direct involvement in an African issue. Ethiopia had left a US-led attempt to mediate the dispute with Egypt, alleging bias. Trump also caused an uproar by saying downstream Egypt would blow up the dam project that Cairo considers an existential threat. Ethiopia asserts that the US $4.6 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam that it has nearly completed on the Blue Nile River is essential for development and the pulling of millions of people out of poverty. Egypt says it threatens its water supply. Also Read: Biden affirms support for normalisation of ties between Israel, Arab nations Ethiopia is now under pressure from the US and others including the European Union and United Nations over the deadly fighting in its northern Tigray region, where some six million people have been largely cut off from the world since fighting began in November between Ethiopian and allied forces and Tigray ones. Witness accounts have emerged of massacres, people beginning to starve to death and the presence of thousands of soldiers from neighbouring Eritrea, which Ethiopia's government has denied. The US has said Eritrean soldiers should immediately leave Ethiopia. And earlier this week, a State Department spokesperson said we remain gravely concerned by the widespread humanitarian suffering and reported human rights abuses in the Tigray region. The spokesperson urged an immediate end to the fighting in Tigray, full and unhindered humanitarian access, an independent investigation into the human rights violations and abuses and for those responsible to be held accountable.

US: Aid pause to Ethiopia no longer linked to dam dispute

Ethiopian government has announced on Friday that it is now returning back Eritrean refugees to Tigray camps. The U.N has raised concerns over the sudden move by the Ethiopian government. U.N calls out Ethiopia's sudden relocation plan completely unacceptable.

Ethiopia returning Eritrean refugees to Tigray camps

Ethiopia has recorded the first coronavirus cases among its vast refugee population, prompting fears of rapid spread among a "very high-risk" group, a regional health official said Tuesday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvard-medical-school-research-says-spread-of-virus-started-in-august-304636" hreflang="en">Harvard Medical School research says spread of virus started in August</a>

The first refugee case is a 16-year-old Eritrean girl from the northern Adi-Harush camp who travelled to an Orthodox Christian monastery in late May and fell ill shortly after her return, said Samuel Aregay, a public health emergency response officer in the Tigray region.&nbsp;

The girl's positive test results came back Friday, while two more refugees tested positive on Tuesday, Samuel said.&nbsp;

"There are three cases identified in the refugee camp," Samuel said.&nbsp;

"The risk is very high to other people who are living in the camp. They are living closely together, with five or six people in very small rooms. It's a very high-risk area."&nbsp;

Adi-Harush, with a registered population of 33,928, is one of four camps in Tigray that together house nearly 100,000 people from Eritrea, according to the UN refugee agency UNHCR.&nbsp;

There are more than 170,000 Eritrean refugees nationwide, out of more than 760,000 total in Ethiopia.&nbsp;

Officials at Ethiopia's health ministry in Addis Ababa said they could not confirm the refugee cases, which have not been detailed in its daily reports.&nbsp;

Ethiopia recorded its first case of COVID-19 in mid-March, and so far its official figures are relatively low with 2,336 cases and 32 deaths.&nbsp;

However more than half of those cases have been recorded in the past 10 days, and the health ministry said last week that cases were "increasing rapidly due to the presence of community transmission".&nbsp;

The health ministry last week began sending COVID-19 patients in the capital, Addis Ababa, to Millennium Hall, a conference centre that has been turned into a makeshift hospital, after the original facility receiving patients in the city neared capacity.&nbsp;

Several reported COVID-19 deaths, including two announced Tuesday, are cases in which samples were taken from corpses, suggesting that at least some patients are not receiving medical treatment.&nbsp;

In a statement Monday, Health Minister Lia Tadesse noted that officials were "seeing efforts by family members of the deceased to avoid bringing the deceased to hospitals for examination".&nbsp;

"We understand the anxiety and difficult circumstances, but this examination is important in terms of controlling the disease and ascertaining the status of family members who are dead," she said.

Ethiopia has recorded the first coronavirus cases among its vast refugee population, prompting fears of rapid spread among a "very high-risk" group, a regional health official said Tuesday.

Ethiopia has recorded the first coronavirus cases among its vast refugee population, prompting fears of rapid spread among a "very high-risk" group, a regional health official said Tuesday. Also read: Harvard Medical School research says spread of virus started in August The first refugee case is a 16-year-old Eritrean girl from the northern Adi-Harush camp who travelled to an Orthodox Christian monastery in late May and fell ill shortly after her return, said Samuel Aregay, a public health emergency response officer in the Tigray region. The girl's positive test results came back Friday, while two more refugees tested positive on Tuesday, Samuel said. "There are three cases identified in the refugee camp," Samuel said. "The risk is very high to other people who are living in the camp. They are living closely together, with five or six people in very small rooms. It's a very high-risk area." Adi-Harush, with a registered population of 33,928, is one of four camps in Tigray that together house nearly 100,000 people from Eritrea, according to the UN refugee agency UNHCR. There are more than 170,000 Eritrean refugees nationwide, out of more than 760,000 total in Ethiopia. Officials at Ethiopia's health ministry in Addis Ababa said they could not confirm the refugee cases, which have not been detailed in its daily reports. Ethiopia recorded its first case of COVID-19 in mid-March, and so far its official figures are relatively low with 2,336 cases and 32 deaths. However more than half of those cases have been recorded in the past 10 days, and the health ministry said last week that cases were "increasing rapidly due to the presence of community transmission". The health ministry last week began sending COVID-19 patients in the capital, Addis Ababa, to Millennium Hall, a conference centre that has been turned into a makeshift hospital, after the original facility receiving patients in the city neared capacity. Several reported COVID-19 deaths, including two announced Tuesday, are cases in which samples were taken from corpses, suggesting that at least some patients are not receiving medical treatment. In a statement Monday, Health Minister Lia Tadesse noted that officials were "seeing efforts by family members of the deceased to avoid bringing the deceased to hospitals for examination". "We understand the anxiety and difficult circumstances, but this examination is important in terms of controlling the disease and ascertaining the status of family members who are dead," she said.

Ethiopia records first coronavirus cases in refugee camps

Small planes that can spray pesticides are the only effective way to combat the worst locusts outbreak in 70 years in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Kenya,&nbsp;</a>according to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-gita-sabharwal-appointed-as-un-resident-coordinator-in-thailand-277450">United Nations </a>(UN).

According to the UN, $76million is immediately needed to widen such efforts across e<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">ast Africa</a>.

Experts have warned that a quick response to the problem is vital as if it is left unchecked, the number of locusts can grow up to 500 times by June.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Locust plague devastates crops in Horn of Africa</a>

Billions of locusts have descended in several parts of Africa.&nbsp;Currently, only five planes are spraying pesticides in the country&nbsp;to counter the problem.

As per UN reports, the normally bouncing locusts became dozy, slow and die&nbsp;just hours after the spraying, they lay scattered on the ground, crunching underfoot.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-declares-national-emergency-to-fight-locusts-278140">Pakistan PM Imran Khan declares national emergency to fight locusts</a>

Additional aid will be consequential in providing assistance to combat the problem.

The authorities of the country are trying to restraint the locusts from spreading to neighbouring countries like Uganda and South Sudan.

The locusts had swept into the country&nbsp;from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Somalia </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Ethiopia </a>after unusually heavy rains in the past few months.

Watch:&nbsp;Somalia hit by worst locust invasion in 25 years

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/somalia-hit-by-worst-locust-invasion-in-25-years-269582/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It led to the decimation of crops in some areas and it threatened the lives of vulnerable people hit by&nbsp;a hunger crisis.

Parts of Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea were also adversely affected the swarms of locusts.

Small planes that can spray pesticides are the only effective way to combat the worst locusts outbreak in 70 years in Kenya, according to the United Nations (UN).

Small planes that can spray pesticides are the only effective way to combat the worst locusts outbreak in 70 years in Kenya, according to the United Nations (UN). According to the UN, $76million is immediately needed to widen such efforts across east Africa. Experts have warned that a quick response to the problem is vital as if it is left unchecked, the number of locusts can grow up to 500 times by June. Also read: Locust plague devastates crops in Horn of Africa Billions of locusts have descended in several parts of Africa. Currently, only five planes are spraying pesticides in the country to counter the problem. As per UN reports, the normally bouncing locusts became dozy, slow and die just hours after the spraying, they lay scattered on the ground, crunching underfoot. Also read: Pakistan PM Imran Khan declares national emergency to fight locusts Additional aid will be consequential in providing assistance to combat the problem. The authorities of the country are trying to restraint the locusts from spreading to neighbouring countries like Uganda and South Sudan. The locusts had swept into the country from Somalia and Ethiopia after unusually heavy rains in the past few months. Watch: Somalia hit by worst locust invasion in 25 years It led to the decimation of crops in some areas and it threatened the lives of vulnerable people hit by a hunger crisis. Parts of Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea were also adversely affected the swarms of locusts.

Spray planes can counter worst locust outbreak in eastern Africa: United Nations

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