Ethiopia

Overview

According to the latest Humanitarian Response Plan, more than 20 million people in Ethiopia are in need of humanitarian assistance as a result of internal conflict, displacement, and recurrent natural hazards. As at February 2022, there were over 4.5 million people displaced (with the main driver being conflict, followed by drought) and over 2.8 million IDP returnees across Ethiopia. The country hosts more than 870,000 refugees from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan. Most of them have been living in camp settings in Benishangul Gumuz, Gambela, and Somali regions and the city of Addis Ababa.?

Recurrent natural hazards, primarily drought and flooding, result in humanitarian needs. Several consecutive years of drought and a record fourth consecutive below-average rainfall in southern and southeastern Ethiopia have disrupted the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of farmers and herders, resulted in the death of livestock, and led to a worsening food security situation. Emergency (IPC Phase 4) food insecurity is expected in drought-affected areas, including parts of Oromia, Somali, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ (SNNP) region, and South West Ethiopia Peoples’ (or South West) region.

In northern Ethiopia, conflict has resulted in mass displacement and high levels of humanitarian need, with issues including food insecurity, increased malnutrition rates, and overcrowded collective centres. Conflict has largely subsided in Tigray since December 2021, but the situation remains highly volatile, with insecurity still recorded along the Tigray-Eritrea border and the Afar and Amhara regional borders. Mass returns of IDPs to their areas of origin are being recorded in Afar and Amhara. Resource constraints and limited coordination continue to restrict the ability to upscale humanitarian services, keeping humanitarian needs high.

Conflict in other regions, such as Benishangul Gumuz (particularly Metekel and Kemashi zones) and Oromia (including Wellega and Guji zones), continues to affect people’s freedom of movement and livelihood activities. The situation has resulted in mass displacement and subsequent humanitarian needs. The needs of IDPs have largely remained unmet because of the volatile security situation and major humanitarian access constraints. ?

INFORM ranks Ethiopia’s risk of humanitarian crisis and disaster as very high at 6.8/10. The lack of coping capacity stands at 6.8/10 and vulnerability at 6.4/10.?

Latest Developments

29/06: On 18 June, at least 250 civilians were killed in an attack on Tole village, Gimbi woreda in West Wellega, Oromia. Zonal authorities estimate displacement of at least 4,800 people to Diga woreda, who urgently need emergency shelter, food, and non-food items. Homes, businesses, cattle, and agricultural crops were reportedly looted and damaged. However, the situation remains unclear, including the number of people displaced and total number of people killed, given limited humanitarian access and information. It is also unclear whether humanitarian organisations are able to respond. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The regional forces have since been deployed to the area.?

23/06: Due to the effects of drought and conflict in Afar region, malnutrition and mortality rates among children have notably increased. In April, admissions of severely malnourished children increased by 28% compared to the same period in 2021. At least 35 children died since mid-April because of food shortages. Nutrition supplies, and preventative and treatment interventions are needed.?