Killings, Abductions, Funding Shortfalls Stifle WFP Relief Efforts Across Ethiopia

Eight personnel dead as org. takes USD 30mln loan to sustain operations

The World Food Program says security concerns are straining its ability to deliver crucial aid assistance in Ethiopia as no less than eight humanitarian workers lost their lives to violence over the past year, while a further 20 were the victims of abductions.

Zlatan Milišić, WFP country director in Ethiopia, told The Reporter that seeing through humanitarian assistance programs and deliveries has grown increasingly challenging for the United Nations agency.

“Security challenges are often linked to banditry or robbery on the road by unidentified armed groups. They pose risks, threats, and challenges for us,” he said.

The movements of the world’s largest humanitarian organization are being deeply affected by protracted conflicts and security threats in Oromia, Gambella, Somali, parts of Tigray, and Afar, as well as by the silent battles going on between armed groups and government forces in the Amhara region, according to the Director.

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“It’s difficult logistically and it’s difficult security-wise,” he said. “There are issues particularly in the Amhara Regional State.”

During a sit down with The Reporter, Milišić praised his staff for prevailing against the life-threatening challenges while drawing attention to what he says is an increasingly difficult and worrisome work environment.

Ensuring the safety and security of the staff, partners, contractors and cargo have become the organization’s top priority as the WFP finds itself walking a tightrope in its attempt to deliver life-saving assistance to target populations while keeping its personnel out of harm’s way.

“If we send our convoy and one, two, or five of our trucks get offloaded by people with guns, that’s a problem,” said Milišić. “We can resolve it once, but if it happens again and again, you start questioning what assurances we have sending this. Our donors start asking why we are sending food to areas where we get robbed. But not sending food isn’t an option because people are going to be hungry.”

A chronic shortfall in support from traditional donors has forced the WFP wing operating in Ethiopia to take a loan of USD 30 million from its global umbrella contingencies fund.

“If we didn’t take that loan, we would have fully stopped some of our programs by September and we would have zero food by now,” said Milišić.

The Director noted concerns that WFP Ethiopia’s once stellar reputation for resilience, livelihoods, nutrition, and school feeding programs has dwindled over the past couple of years.

“If one wishes to do more of these works, which we are strong at and for which the potential exists, it can be done. But a lack of resources and some of the traditional donors focusing on humanitarian assistance is not allowing us to do more. We cut numbers there as well,” he said.

Despite the threats, abductions, and killings, WFP Ethiopia claims it has managed to meet 90 percent of its goal in reaching people in need.