Ethiopia

Humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia's Raya Alamata deepens amid service disruptions, fatalities

Thousand people displaced by fighting in Raya Alamata. (Ethiopia Observer)

By Hanifa Adan | Saturday, May 18, 2024

The violence in Raya Alamata has displaced a significant portion of the population, with over 50,000 civilians and administrative officials seeking refuge in the neighbouring town of Kobo.

Basic services have been severely disrupted in Raya Alamata and its surrounding areas for the past month, leading to a dire humanitarian situation. According to authorities, residents are facing critical shortages in healthcare and education access, with devastating consequences.

Hailu Abera, head of the Alamata city administration, revealed in an interview with Voice of America that 11 people have died due to a lack of medical services. The sole hospital in the area has reportedly been non-operational for approximately a month, exacerbating the health crisis.

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Education has also been significantly impacted. Hailu stated that over 42,000 students from 123 schools across Raya Alamata, Raya Bala districts, and the town of Korem have been forced to abandon their studies.

Despite this, there is a glimmer of hope for some students. Woldia University has pledged to provide food and lodging for over 900 graduating high school seniors (Grade 12) who are scheduled to take their national exit exams this year.

The current disruptions are a result of recent violent clashes in the Raya Alamata district, located in the South Tigray Zone. These clashes are part of the broader conflict that erupted in the Tigray region in November 2020, following escalating tensions between the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

The conflict began when TPLF forces attacked Ethiopian National Defense Force bases in Tigray, prompting a military response from the federal government. The war has since led to widespread displacement, severe humanitarian crises, and allegations of atrocities committed by all parties involved.

The violence in Raya Alamata has displaced a significant portion of the population, with over 50,000 civilians and administrative officials seeking refuge in the neighbouring town of Kobo, located in the Amhara region.

As the humanitarian situation in Raya Alamata deteriorates, international calls for a ceasefire and peace negotiations have intensified.

The United Nations and various humanitarian organisations are urging both parties to prioritise dialogue over continued military engagement, hoping to mitigate the suffering and restore stability to the region.