Fighting for Survival in Tigray

The Impact of Civil Conflict Within the Developing World

W. H. R. Johnston

An attempted succession from Ethiopia by Tigray, and their current leaders the T.P.F.L (Tigray People’s Liberation Front) has resulted in a bitter conflict, and left almost half of its population without access to adequate food, and more than 6 million without access to their money. 

Tensions between the Ethiopian Government and its North-Eastern region have been high for decades, however on the 3rd of November 2020, the T.P.F.L made their move and attacked the Ethiopian National Defense Force Northern Command Headquarters. 

Following their early success, the T.P.F.L sought to maintain their freedom through guerilla tactics, and while this was successful, and has resulted in their control almost 2 years onwards; the Ethiopian Government has realized that it does not have to defeat Tigray, rather, outlast them. As such, they have almost entirely restricted any movement in or out of the region, essentially keeping them under siege until they are no longer able to support themselves. 

While this action has been condemned by the UN, who have made attempts to resolve the issue by providing humanitarian assistance, the situation is only worsening as the Ethiopian Government’s grip on the region tightens.

While this alone is cause for turmoil, it is accentuated by “one of the most severe La Niña-induced droughts in the last forty years following four consecutive failed rainy seasons since late 2020,” exacerbating the food shortage eliminating any ideas of self sustaining through internal produce.

Currently in Tigray, a third of children under the age of 5 are malnourished, half of whom are suffering from the more serious severe acute malnutrition, with the UN calling the need for “urgent action”. Many desperate families have resorted to drastic measures simply to survive, with many willing to do whatever it takes for the required funds.

Although many attempts have been made to smuggle money and other resources into Tigray despite the danger of incarceration, once through, there is no guarantee that the resources will reach the families in need. It is believed most of the money being smuggled has ended with the T.P.F.L to support their needs rather than the struggling families.

However, the UN are nothing if not persistent, and progress is possible in the coming months, and there is hope that the people of Tigray will soon have access to adequate food and other essential resources. However, until then, millions will continue to suffer from another civil conflict in the developing world.