Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region Amid Aid Cuts

The Devastating Impact on Displaced Communities

The humanitarian situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region has reached a critical point, exacerbated by severe aid cuts from the United States. For 76-year-old Haile Tsege, a displaced person in the region, the suspension of food aid means a dire threat to survival. The Tigray region, already ravaged by war from 2020 to 2022, is now facing an unprecedented crisis as U.S. aid, which was a lifeline for millions, comes to a halt. The region’s dependence on U.S. assistance, particularly through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is immense, with over 2.4 million people reliant on humanitarian grain, most of which is provided by the U.S.

Suspension of U.S. Aid Programs: A Ripple Effect of Suffering

The Trump administration’s dismantling of USAID has led to the suspension of critical aid programs in Tigray. Emergency food distributions have been ceased despite being exempt from initial aid restrictions, leaving thousands without access to life-saving grain. The USAID staffers responsible for overseeing these programs have been placed on administrative leave, facing the threat of termination. The U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia has not responded to inquiries regarding the suspension, leaving the affected communities without clarity or support. The ripple effect of these suspensions is vast, impacting not just food distribution but also healthcare, education, and other essential services.

Starvation Looms: Food Aid Halted Amid Bureaucratic Delays

The suspension of food aid has left vulnerable populations on the brink of starvation. A consortium of aid agencies in Tigray has been forced to stop distributions to over 1 million people due to a non-functional payment system. Critical stockpiles, including 5,000 metric tons of sorghum, remain undelivered, risking rot and further exacerbating food insecurity. Teklewoini Assefa, head of the Relief Society of Tigray, emphasizes that the situation is dire, with malnutrition, disease, and death looming if the situation continues. The inability to distribute existing food stockpiles highlights the bureaucratic delays and systemic failures that are costing lives.

Healthcare in Shambles: HIV, Nutrition, and TB Programs Halted

The impact of aid cuts extends beyond food to the healthcare sector, where critical programs have been halted. Ethiopia has been forced to lay off 5,000 local healthcare workers who were instrumental in the HIV response. In Tigray, the health system is in ruins, with hundreds of schools closed and child malnutrition rates soaring to 21% in some areas—far above the World Health Organization’s emergency threshold. Projects combatting tuberculosis and providing life-saving medicines and vaccines have been suspended, leaving vulnerable populations at increased risk. Organizations like Management Sciences for Health have halted critical projects and are bracing for mass layoffs, further diminishing the region’s already fragile healthcare capacity.

The Human Cost: Trauma, Displacement, and Lost Opportunities

The sudden disruption of aid has had a profound impact on the region’s social fabric. Efforts to support survivors of sexual violence during the war have been derailed, leaving thousands without access to counseling, physiotherapy, and critical health services. The Center for Victims of Torture, which provided essential support to survivors, has been forced to furlough staff and halt its programs. Yohannes Fisseha, a CVT manager, underscores the long-term consequences of this sudden disruption, noting that it stalls the healing process for traumatized individuals. Additionally, programs aimed at building resilience among farmers and improving nutrition for children and new mothers have been terminated, further eroding the region’s capacity to recover.

A Broken Image: The Loss of Hope and International Trust

The abrupt suspension of aid has shattered the image of the United States as a protector of rights and a positive global force. Yirga Gebregziabher of OSSHD reflects on the broken trust, emphasizing that the lack of consultation and engagement has worsened the shock. The termination of aid programs has forced organizations to lay off expert staff, undermining the region’s ability to recover and rebuild. The international community’s inaction in addressing this crisis raises questions about global solidarity and the commitment to humanitarian principles. As Tigray teeters on the edge of a humanitarian catastrophe, the world must act swiftly to restore aid and prevent further loss of life.

A Call to Action: Rebuilding Hope in Tigray

The road to recovery in Tigray is long and multifaceted, requiring immediate action to restore aid flows and rebuild trust. International partners must prioritize the restoration of food distributions, healthcare programs, and social services to address the urgent needs of the region’s most vulnerable populations. Transparency, consultation, and a commitment to long-term engagement are essential to ensure that aid reaches those in need and supports sustainable recovery. The humanitarian crisis in Tigray is not just a local issue but a global call to action, reminding us of our shared responsibility to protect human dignity and prevent avoidable suffering.