Millions in Ethiopia face ‘perfect storm’ of deprivation

The World Health Organization is warning that millions of people in northern Ethiopia are in urgent need of humanitarian aid, facing a ‘perfect storm’ of deprivation. The war in Tigray has led to a de facto blockade of the region for most of the last two years, with the federal government and TPLF currently engaged in peace talks in South Africa. Meanwhile, cholera and measles outbreaks have been recorded in the regions of Amhara and Afar.

Plus, in South Africa preparations are underway for the inauguration of a new Zulu king, Misuzulu ka Zwelithini. The ceremony will not pass without controversy, however, as some of the new king’s relatives are refusing to recognise him as the rightful ruler, and there are suspicions that the ruling ANC party may be exploiting the event for political ends.

And with severe flooding affecting swathes of West and Central Africa at the moment, we examine the role climate change may be playing in the current situation.

(Photo: Aid trucks are inspected in Ethiopia’s Afar region in May 2022; Credit: Getty Images)