The below is attributable to Spokesperson Rebecca Chalif:
Today, Administrator Power met with Daniel Endres, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) and Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for East Africa, to discuss how USAID can work together with the UN to address humanitarian needs across Ethiopia and overcome major challenges to providing life-saving assistance to people in need.
Administrator Power expressed her deep concern about the growing humanitarian needs across Ethiopia, as an estimated 900,000 people face famine-like conditions in Afar, Amhara, and Tigray regions due to conflict, and as the crisis in the north converges with worsening drought in the south.
Administrator Power and ASG Endres discussed the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian access in Tigray, noting that just a fraction of the life-saving supplies needed have been able to reach Tigray, and that the response has been chronically hampered by systematic restrictions on aid, including fuel, cash and critical medical supplies. They also spoke about the importance of the restoration of essential services across the north, including electricity, banking, fuel supply, and telecommunications. Administrator Power emphasized the challenges faced by donors in the year ahead in addressing the growing needs throughout Ethiopia with limited financial resources.
Administrator Power thanked ASG Endres for his leadership in Ethiopia and the region and reiterated USAID’s steadfast commitment to supporting the people of Ethiopia, and working with humanitarian partners to ensure they can deliver assistance to all in need.