Tigray’s Struggle to Recover from the Burden of War and Drought

After 17 months since the fighting ceased in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, the aftermath of the conflict still looms large over the population. The devastation caused by the two-year war has left the region in ruins, with a staggering estimated death toll of up to 600,000 people. The African Union-brokered peace agreement in November 2022 marked the end of the conflict, but the road to recovery is long and arduous.

The impact of the war on every aspect of life in Tigray is evident, from the decimation of jobs and social services to the crippling effects on security. The cost of reconstruction has been estimated at a staggering $20 billion, a sum that seems insurmountable given the current state of affairs in the region.

Adding to the challenges faced by the people of Tigray is the recent drought, the worst in 40 years, followed by a locust invasion that has decimated this year’s expected harvest by half. With over 4.5 million people in need of food aid and more than one million still displaced, the situation remains dire.

Despite efforts to raise funds through a UN-backed donor-pledging conference, the $630 million raised falls short of the $1 billion needed to provide life-saving support to approximately 11 million people in the region. The humanitarian response plan, targeting 15 million Ethiopians in need, is currently only 5% funded, highlighting the ongoing struggle to provide essential aid to those affected by the conflict.

As the people of Tigray continue to rebuild their lives, the challenges they face are immense. From the destruction of infrastructure to the displacement of communities, the scars of war run deep in the region. However, amidst the devastation, new initiatives are emerging to help communities get back on their feet, offering a glimmer of hope in the midst of adversity.