The International Monetary Fund (IMF) echoed the recent concerns by the United States about the ongoing conflicts and violent incidents in Amhara and Oromia regions of Ethiopia.
“The recent violent incidents in Amhara and Oromia have indeed been distressing and concerning. We are closely following these developments and we note the concerns from the United States, and we hope for a peaceful resolution of this issue,” said Julie Kozak, Director of Communications, during a press briefing on Thursday.
In relation to economic challenges the country is facing, the Director said: “We have received a request for financial assistance to help Ethiopia address the significant challenges that the country is facing, including food insecurity, humanitarian needs, post conflict reconstruction and high inflation, and also to support the homegrown economic reform agenda which aims to fulfill Ethiopia’s considerable economic potential.”
“An October mission made good progress on how the IMF could support the authority’s economic program and the set of reforms that could underpin the requested program. Discussions are ongoing. Another mission to Addis Ababa is expected to take place in the coming weeks,” she said.
The context
Reports show following the coming of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to power in April 2018, conflicts has increased in Ethiopia resulting a death of tens of thousands of civilians and internal displacement of millions. Currently 3.5 million people are internally displaced, according to the latest reports of international humanitarian agencies operating in the country.
The two years’ war in Tigray Region, in the northern part of the country, is also estimated to claim lives of about one million people from both wearying sides (government and Tigray People Liberation Front). After the peace deal is inked in South Africa and the war has stopped the Abiy Ahmed administration has launched a military operation with the aim of disarming the Amhara Fanos, which were siding with the government during the Tigray war.
Now the ongoing war with the Amhara Fanos has continued for several months resulting in grave human rights violations that includes killings and displacement of civilians as well as disrupting businesses in Amhara region as a result of the state of emergency and frequent blockade of roads.
Likewise, the ongoing killings of civilians in Oromia regions has reportedly claimed lives of thousands in different parts of Oromia region including at the outskirts of the capital, Addis Ababa.
As the conflicts continue to spread, the Abiy Ahmed administration and the country has faced sever economic challenges with ever increasing cost of living.
Among the most suffering as a result of these ongoing violent incidents are the children and the elderly. The UN in Ethiopia is currently seeking US$3.24 billion, and UNICEF recently appealed for $535 million to ensure children get the help they so desperately need.
“…we need resources so that we can increase our humanitarian response. We also hope for a peaceful way forward to address the unresolved disputes, so we can reach all children in need, no matter where they are.” said During the recent visit top UNICEF official stated that “If we act now, we can save the lives of millions of children,” said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Ted Chaiban, after visit Ethiopia this month.