The war in Tigray is over, but peace lingers and famine threatens

Several armed conflicts plague Ethiopia and the country's economy is in crisis. The risk of a large-scale disaster is high. In a guest analysis, Pierre Frühling, who has worked with development issues for 40 years, writes about the ongoing conflicts in the country - and what can be done to curb them. Photo: Voice of America. Source: Garystockbridge.

Of: Pierre Frühling

The situation in Ethiopia is critical. There are several armed conflicts going on in the country, while food shortages are spreading and the economy is in crisis. The risk is great for mass starvation i tigray – the region that has been affected by en of today's bloodiest and most destructive wars. Without dialogue between leaders of the country different ethnic groups about how the borders should look between the regions and what kind of governance the country should have, it is difficult to see how any real peace can be achieved in Ethiopia. It writes Pierre springg, former diplomat, aid worker and journalist. 

February 19, 2024, Analysis

Hunger is used as a weapon in conflict

In the Tigray region of Ethiopia, soldiers and rebels are accused of actively starving the population. Photo: Rod Waddington. Source: Flickr.

Of: Sigrid Wernersson

The number of people living on the brink of starvation is increasing drastically in the world. At the same time, hunger and starvation by civilians are used as weapons in warfare, including in the Ethiopian region of Tigray. The link between armed conflict and hunger has been highlighted by international organizations in recent years, but a new view of food as a right is needed to truly eradicate world hunger.

December 23, 2021, Chronicle

The war in Tigray must be resolved as three different conflicts

- An increased understanding of the various actors' separate dispute issues contributes to an insight into the obstacles that exist for a quick solution, writes, David Larsson Gebre-Medhin, PhD in peace and conflict research, in a guest analysis on the conflict in Ethiopia.

Of: David Larsson Gebre-Medhin

The Tigray war in Ethiopia has taken a new turn and rebels are now threatening the capital Addis Ababa. Although Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently strengthened his mandate through success in this year's elections to the federal parliament, he now risks losing power. And with each passing day, suffering is growing - so far the war has resulted in thousands of deaths, widespread ethnically motivated abuses against civilians, violence that has displaced more than 2.5 million people and a famine that has affected an estimated 400 and threatens another seven million people.

November 18, 2021, Guest analysis

Deep crisis in Ethiopia - the conflicts are spreading

Of: Pierre Frühling

The war in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia continues, the risk of famine increases and the information on ethnic cleansing grows in strength. At the same time, extensive violence is also taking place in several other regions. Since Abiy Ahmed came to power in 2018, the conflicts in the country have gradually worsened and experts believe that the planned election in June may worsen the situation further. In the worst case, the crisis could lead to civil war and the disintegration of the country. Pierre Frühling provides a comprehensive analysis of the situation in the country.

May 7, 2021, Analysis

Break the silence and stop the approaching famine in Tigray

Photo: Rod Waddington, Flickr

Of: Pierre Frühling

Some silences can lead to disaster. The situation in Tigray in northern Ethiopia today is a dramatic example. The war in Tigray continues, the famine has probably already begun and may soon become extremely widespread. The Ethiopian government is blocking free access for humanitarian operations, and denying permits to independent journalists as well as to investigations into abuses and massacres. But to the outside world, the people in Tigray do not seem to exist.

March 4, 2021, Debate

Discussion more important than elections in Ethiopia

The ethnic division is a widespread problem in Ethiopia, says Yibe Assefa. Photo: Jasmine Halki, flickr.com.

Of: Ida Kronberg

Ethiopian democracy is being challenged by pandemics and ethnic conflicts. The national election has been moved forward, at the same time as unrest has escalated into civil war. Lawyer Yibe Assefa calls for a discussion on how the ethnic federal state can be reformed.  

December 3, 2020, Interview

Local organizations crucial to reaching people with disabilities

Local actors work, among other things, with data collection. This leads to a better estimate of how many people live with some form of disability. Photo: Oxfam East Africa / Flickr

Of: Josefine Lundh

Cooperation and partnerships with local organizations are essential when it comes to achieving the global goals of people with disabilities. Cornilla von Plomgren at the organization Sightsavers gives her view on how we can create an inclusive future for people with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries.

July 5, 2019, Report

State of emergency in Ethiopia following the resignation of the Prime Minister

Of: Deborah Solomon

Ethiopia has declared a six-month state of emergency following the resignation of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn on 15 February. The resignation came in an attempt to quell protests and unrest in the nation. The main cause for concern is that one of the country's minority groups, Tigray, has the ruling political power in Ethiopia and planned to expand the capital Addis Ababa to Oromia, […]

Read more »

May 24, 2018, News

State of emergency in Ethiopia following the resignation of the Prime Minister

Of: Deborah Solomon

Ethiopia has declared a six-month state of emergency following the resignation of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn on 15 February. The resignation came in an attempt to quell protests and unrest in the nation. The main cause for concern is that one of the country's minority groups, Tigray, has the ruling political power in Ethiopia and planned to expand the capital Addis Ababa to Oromia, […]

Read more »

March 27, 2018, News