Since November 2020, there has been armed conflict between the federal and regional forces in the Tigray region. On top of the armed conflict, the region has had to go through a political transition, severe drought, locust invasion and the ongoing pandemic due to COVID-19. During the year, the conflict started to spill over into the neighboring Amhara and Afar regions.

The conflict in the various regions affects more than 8 million people, including 2.1 million people who are displaced. In the Tigray region, there are 5.2 million people who are in urgent need of food and assistance. The region suffers a lot due to electricity outages, water shortages, empty store shelves and bank closures. With all of this suffering, there are those who are going through it alone as they are separated from their family. The most urgent need that needs to be met is the lack of food. With there not being enough food to go around, at least 400,000 people are suffering from hunger.

With the continued support from other donors and The Father’s Table Foundation, the CRS is working with Caritas Ethiopia and their diocesan partners. Along with them, the CRS is coordinating with the United Nations and humanitarian responders to provide urgent relief. With their Joint Emergency Operation Plan (JEOP), the CRS leads a group of non-government organizations to distribute food supplies.

Since the start, the CRS has provided food to around 3 million people. Recently, the distribution of supplies has been disrupted because of security issues. However, with the recent help from The Father’s Table Foundation the CRS was able to provide cash assistance, living supplies, malnutrition screenings, water infrastructure, and hygiene kits. With the ongoing support from the Foundation, in due time, the CRS will help everyone get there basic human needs met.