As opposition parties in Tigray warn of a “humanitarian disaster”, Bishop Paul Swarbrick has called on the UK government to increase its support for the people of the Ethiopian region.
In a letter to James Duddridge, the UK’s minister for Africa, the CBCEW’s lead bishop for Africa urged the government take action.
“With no peace in sight”, Swarbrick called on Duddridge to protect the most vulnerable in Tigray from the atrocities being committed.
“We are particularly concerned by the reports of widespread sexual violence and there is an urgent need to ensure protection of vulnerable groups, especially women and girls,” he wrote.
Recent reports reveal that those fleeing the fighting are dying daily for lack of food, water and medicine. The lack of essentials, he noted, “is compounded by barriers preventing humanitarian agencies reaching those who have fled the fighting.”
He implored the government to “redouble the UK’s assistance to those affected and diplomatic support for peace initiatives”.
“I hope that you may also reiterate the paramount importance of every side in the conflict,” he added, “along with neighbouring countries, respecting international law including around the safe accommodation of refugees.”
Fighting began in November last year, when forces loyal to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the region’s former ruling party, clashed with federal forces in the region.
The conflict followed a breakdown in relations between the TPLF and the government over a constitutional dispute. The TPLF condemned Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s decision to defer elections scheduled for May 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak, labelling him an “illegitimate ruler”. Rescheduled for August, elections were again delayed until 2021.
Going ahead with the election in September 2020, the TPLF drew fire from Abiy who declared it illegal. The TPLF were ousted from power on 28th November, when federal troops captured Tigray’s capital, Mekelle.
Since November, the UN has reported, about 200,000 people have been displaced. And 52,000 are estimated to have been killed, according to opposition parties in Tigray.
In a statement, The Tigray Independence Party, Salsay Weyane Tigray and the National Congress of Great Tigray party warned of a “looming humanitarian disaster of biblical proportion” if essential supplies were not quickly sent to the region.
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