Ethiopia’s government has declared an indefinite humanitarian truce in the northern Ethiopia conflict “effective immediately”, the country’s communication office said on Thursday.
The Government Communication Service (GCS) said the decision is to ensure a free flow of humanitarian aid to the Tigray region.
“The government is taking measures including increasing the number of UN humanitarian flights and easing clearance procedures for fuel delivery and cash for payments by aid agencies to expedite aid delivery to people in need,” GCS has said.
However, thousands of people from the Tigray region are trekking into neighboring regions in search of assistance, the GCS said.
“While it is heartening to see the fraternal bond and solidarity that is being demonstrated by communities that are receiving and helping those in need of assistance, the situation warrants urgent measures to ensure that those in need are able to receive aid in their localities,” said the GCS.
It also said the government “is committed to exert maximum effort” to facilitate the free flow of emergency humanitarian aid into the Tigray region.
“Cognizant of the need to take extraordinary measures to save lives and reduce human suffering, the Government of Ethiopia hereby declares an indefinite humanitarian truce effective immediately,” the GCS said.
Authorities have also urged the donor community to redouble their “generous contributions to alleviate the situation and reiterate its commitment to work in collaboration with relevant organizations to expedite the provision of humanitarian assistance to those in need.”
MG/abj/APA