UN resumes humanitarian operations in Tigray as Washington calls for ceasefire

ADDIS ABABA - The United Nations [UN] has resumed the much-needed humanitarian assistance in the troubled Tigray region, weeks after it warned that several people face starvation due to blockades imposed by Addis Ababa and Afar regional authorities.

In January, Tigray rebels attacked several towns in the Afar region, accusing local authorities of blocking humanitarian trucks from accessing the Tigray region. The United Nations estimated that thousands of people were facing starvation.

Getachew Reda, the spokesperson of the Tigray Defense Forces [TDF] confirmed on Wednesday that the UN had resumed humanitarian activities in Tigray weeks after suspension following hostilities witnessed in Afar, a rejoin which partners closely with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

"We have just learned that the UN has decided-apparently with the cooperation of federal and regional authorities-to resume humanitarian operations in Tigray with the first convoy slated to hit the road anytime soon. This is a welcome, if long overdue development," he said.

TDF, he added, will work closely with the United Nations to ensure the humanitarian teams are protected from aggression in areas under her control. Further, he said, the rebels will ensure they do everything possible for the mission to succeed.

"Will do everything it can to ensure the safe and secure passage of humanitarian aid convoys and their personnel within its areas of control," he noted. "We are ready to extend any support we can in order for the UN operations to succeed and for the needy to have access to badly needed aid."

Earlier this week, State Department called for a ceasefire between TDF and Ethiopia National Defense Forces [ENDF], arguing that the offensive had triggered a humanitarian crisis in the region, which is fighting to secede from Ethiopia.

The U.S. Department of State said that it is gravely concerned by the reports of atrocities, including sexual violence, committed by both TDF fighters in the Amhara region of Ethiopia in late and ENDF August and early September 2021, as described in a recent Amnesty International report.

“It remains our firm position that there must be credible investigations into and accountability for atrocities as part of any lasting solution to the crisis,” Spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State, Ned Price said.

“Continued reports of atrocities underscore the urgency of ending the ongoing military conflict. We continue to engage parties to the conflict to urge a halt to the violence, an end to atrocities, the unhindered provision of life-saving humanitarian assistance, and a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” the statement by the State Department added.

GAROWE ONLINE