The ongoing conflict in Ethiopia’s Afar region has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis, with 18,000 people forced to flee their homes. But here’s where the situation becomes even more concerning: thousands are still awaiting desperately needed aid.
According to local authorities, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) forces are responsible for the displacement of thousands in Tonsa kebele and nearby areas in Megale woreda. The attack has left a staggering 18,000 people displaced, with 11,000 of them struggling without any humanitarian support. This is a crisis within a crisis.
The Afar authorities’ statement from a couple of weeks ago claimed that TPLF fighters forcefully entered the region, took control of six villages, and even attacked civilians with mortars. A bold accusation, but the TPLF quickly refuted it, denying any wrongdoing.
However, eyewitness accounts from residents and local officials paint a different picture. They confirm that Tigray forces have indeed occupied villages and show no signs of leaving. This is a critical point of contention, as the TPLF’s alleged presence in Afar could have significant implications for the region’s stability.
One displaced individual, now seeking refuge under a tree at a school, remains connected to local militia and special forces for updates. He believes the Tigray forces are still occupying his village, Warea. This is further supported by another resident’s account, who, upon returning to her home with her eight children, discovered that Tigray forces were still in control. They are left with no choice but to remain displaced.
The question remains: Will the Tigray forces withdraw, allowing these displaced families to return home? And what does this mean for the future of the Afar region? The situation is complex, and the fate of these 18,000 people hangs in the balance.