Ethiopia Crisis

Man-Made Conflicts and Climate Crises Wreak Havoc Across Ethiopia

Ethiopia is in a danger zone: From clashes between political parties to climate-induced devastation that takes a toll on lives and livelihoods, the people of Ethiopia are constantly fighting to survive.

This November, our Islamic Relief Ethiopia teams report that violence is looming as clashes between political parties are erupting across the Tigray region. Between 10,000 and 20,000 people are expected to flee: some to the Afar region in Ethiopia and others possibly to Sudan. These newfound refugees and IDPs (internally displaced persons) will be in desperate need of support.

Islamic Relief is preparing vital aid to help in both areas, but we cannot do it without your support.

The violence only exacerbates an already-dire situation. Acute droughts regularly wreak havoc on Ethiopia’s economy. The country has made significant economic progress during the past decade, with government aid programs alleviating poverty levels in rural areas; however, another major drought in this decade—considered the worst in the region in 60 years—caused a severe crisis with long-lasting ramifications for many families and for the country as a whole. Two-thirds of the population lives in severe poverty.

With all this considered, one thing remains clear: The people of Ethiopia are resilient and, with the support of donors like you, families in need there can access opportunities to break the chains of poverty and move toward success.

Islamic Relief’s Dedication to Ethiopia

Islamic Relief launched operations in Ethiopia in response to severe droughts in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2016, 2017, and now in 2018. After years of emergency relief efforts in Ethiopia, Islamic Relief Ethiopia opened in January 2004. Relief teams have implemented long-term development projects that improved access to education, healthcare, water, and sanitation. Islamic Relief also launched several projects aimed at developing livelihood and food security and strengthening the capacity of local organizations. Ethiopia was also one of several African countries supported by Islamic Relief’s Africa Food Crisis campaign.

Here’s just a sampling of recent efforts for families in need across Ethiopia

• Enhancing food security and resilience for drought-affected pastoralists and agro-pastoralists
• Providing emergency food and water distributions in times of drought
• Supporting refugees and IDPs fleeing political violence

We Need YOUR Help

As much as we’ve been able to accomplish, there is still so much more to do. If we work together—with YOU—we can make the vision of better Ethiopia a reality for so many more of our sisters and brothers in need.