The most recent surge in violence began in August, following a fragile five-month humanitarian deal that sent aid to northern Ethiopia, where some 5 million civilians are in need. pause support.
Aid distribution continued to be impeded due to fuel shortages and communications throughout Tigray being disrupted, while Tigrayan commanders stated that Eritrea had launched an offensive to support the Government forces. government of Ethiopia, according to news reports.
Aid workers, civilians killed
The UN’s partner organization, the International Rescue Committee, reported that one of its workers was killed in an attack in Tigray, while helping women and children in the town. Shire, on Friday.
In a statement on Saturday, the agency said another IRC employee was also injured in the attack, and two other civilians are believed to have been killed and three wounded in the bombing. The IRC added that aid workers and civilians should never be targeted.
There has been no claim of responsibility for the attack, but the Shire and other Tigrayan areas have been hit by multiple air strikes since August.
‘Devastating impact’
UN Secretary General António Guterres said in the statement issued by its Spokesperson, that the increase in combat is “yes” devastating impact on civilians in a humanitarian situation that has turned catastrophic“.
He is calling for an immediate end to hostilities.
“The Secretary-General reiterates his full support for the reconciliation process led by the African Union and reaffirms the readiness of the United Nations to support the resumption of urgent negotiations to achieve a lasting political solution to this catastrophic conflict. “
Just last month, African Union-brokered talks were to take place in South Africa, but were postponed.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced in Tigray as well as neighboring northern areas of Amhara and Afar, while tens of thousands are believed to have been killed. Millions of lives are being affected by the conflict.
Aid update
In one humanitarian update On October 4, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, said UN staff were now allowed to rotate in and out of Tigray again, but road supplies were not lifesaving by road and rail. Aviation needs to be resumed urgently.
“Those flights remain suspended as of August 25, halting the movement of operational supplies and cash into the area, which is crucial for operations,” he said, telling journalists. in New York.
“Despite concerns about security, limited access and lack of resources, our partners continue to respond in areas they have access to in the three regions,” he said.
“In Tigray, the remaining humanitarian resources continue to be distributed and provide basic services, despite very difficult operational challenges.”
As of September 26, 32 mobile health and nutrition clinics are still operating at 58 medical facilities and relocation sites in the region, he said. In Amhara and Afar, newly displaced families are being helped with food, water, emergency shelter and other supplies, as well as medical services, Mr. Dujarric added.
