Unraveling Tigray’s Descent into Humanitarian Crisis
by Eden Kassa
Not long ago, Tigray was celebrated as one of Ethiopia’s most economically vibrant regions. Its strategic location, fertile lands, and industrious population contributed to its prominence as an agricultural and manufacturing hub (Reread the second sentence, that is your why for many of your questions of WHY). With a burgeoning industrial sector, the region played a vital role in Ethiopia’s overall economic growth. The construction of infrastructure projects, such as the Tigray-Harar road and the Tekeze Dam, were emblematic of the region’s potential to transform its economic landscape and improve the living standards of its people.
The stark transformation of Tigray from economic promise to humanitarian dependence cannot be attributed to a single factor, it definitely can not be blamed on the people of Tigray. Instead, it results from a confluence of circumstances that have combined to create a dire situation.
Presently, the situation in Tigray, Ethiopia, has taken a bewildering turn, evoking perplexing questions about how a region once hailed as the country’s third-largest economic powerhouse could find itself in a state of complete dependence on international aid. The rapid shift from economic prosperity to a humanitarian crisis within Tigray underscores the multifaceted nature of the factors involved — including crimes against humanity, governance challenges, and external influences — that have collectively contributed to this unsettling paradox.
Moreover, a state-sponsored genocide has derailed the future prospects of Tigray and cast a dark shadow over the survival of its population. This systematic and organized genocide cannot be expected to fade as constraints tighten; rather, it persists with its insidious mechanisms, exploiting the complexities of its systemic nature.
The notion that a systematic and organized genocide is a persistent force is highlighted by the chilling intent expressed in a quote: “We are going to wipe out the Tigrayans for 100 years.” Member of the Finnish Parliament, Pekka Haavisto, reported this alarming sentiment in June 2021, reflecting a concerning facet of the ongoing crisis.
For those observing the situation superficially through mainstream news, the apparent continuity might not be evident. However, the reality is that, even after the so-called “peace agreement,” ten months have passed without witnessing a semblance of genuine peace in Tigray. This discrepancy between the rhetoric of peace and the lived reality questions the motivations behind such proclamations. Read more on “What Peace Means for Tigray.”
“There has been no improvement for us since the peace. The Eritreans have not moved; they are blockading the road.” The Guardian, Aug 7, 2023
The complex interplay of events underscores a circular progression. An intentional systemic genocide was put in motion to “wipe Tigrayans,” and everything since then has been orchestrated to achieve this goal, ultimately resulting in the tragic state of Tigray today.
To your surprise, it has indeed been three months since USAID and WFP decided to suspend humanitarian assistance to Tigray, the very region that has now become dependent on international aid.
The circumstances seem perplexing. A region that has been engulfed in a maelstrom of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and ethnic cleansing is suddenly expected to transition to a state of “peace.” Is it plausible that the same government that once expressed a desire to ‘wipe out Tigrayans for 100 years’ has undergone such a profound change of heart to seek “peace”?
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Tigray region is not a result of a single isolated event but rather the tragic culmination of a cascade of interconnected factors. This catastrophic domino effect unveils a complex interplay of war, siege, mass destruction, agricultural devastation, denial of aid assistance, and a lack of commerce. The clarity of this sequence is as simple to comprehend as a clear blue sky. The systematic, organized, and state-sponsored intent of genocide was aimed at the eradication of Tigrayans. Consequently, every action perpetrated against Tigray and its people aligns with this ultimate goal — the extinction of the Tigrayan population. It is worth noting that while the timeline of this domino effect begins in November 2020, the preparation for the Tigray Genocide commenced long before the night of November 4th.
It prompts us to question and trace how these events have driven the Tigrayan population, constituting 91% of the region’s inhabitants, into a state of emergency-level food insecurity. The paradox deepens as we ponder how the loss of 600,000+ lives and ongoing casualties persist even after the signing of a “peace deal.” The disturbing irony continues as we contemplate how a region allegedly at “peace” remains threatened by escalated child mortality rates.
Furthermore, the puzzlement persists as we consider a region purportedly under the banner of “peace” lacking access or information concerning 40% of its territory for three years. The incongruence is evident in a region of “peace” grappling with over three million displaced and stranded without a means to return to their homelands. The disbelief amplifies as we confront a region presumed to be under the mantle of “peace” yet is host to foreign invaders within its borders. Within this environment, acts of rape, murder, detention, and forced displacement continue unabated.
War Ignites Conflict: The initial domino that ignited this tragic sequence was the outbreak on November 4th, escalating swiftly into a full-scale armed conflict. Civilians were displaced, essential services were disrupted, and the entire region destabilized as a result.
Siege and Isolation: The Ethiopian government imposed a de facto siege on Tigray, severing vital supply routes and isolating the region from the rest of the country. This siege obstructed the flow of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid, intensifying an already dire situation. It’s crucial to remember that such a siege constitutes a violation of human rights and humanitarian law, and regrettably, the siege in Tigray remains unlifted.
Mass Destruction: The widespread devastation encompassed hospitals, schools, roads, factories, water sources, and agricultural facilities. This extensive destruction not only disrupted essential services but also corroded the foundations of the region’s economy and social fabric.
Agricultural Devastation: Tigray, once a pivotal agricultural hub, endured substantial agricultural ruin due to the conflict. Farms were abandoned and reduced to ashes, crops were left unharvested and destroyed, while livestock was pillaged and slaughtered. Consequently, food shortages surged, intensifying the region’s reliance on aid. Remarkably, for three years, a region where 75% consider farming their primary occupation has been deprived of fertilizers and seeds, causing three missed harvesting seasons. A stark quote resonates: “We are here fighting to die, and you want to plow? You won’t plow, you won’t harvest, and if you try, we will punish you.”
With over 80% of the region’s population dependent on labor-intensive, rain-fed agriculture for subsistence, the absence of farming in Tigray since the onset of the genocidal war has left millions without access to sustenance. The adverse effects ripple across those cultivating land, leading to a severe reduction in income and, often, food expenditure.
Denial of Aid Assistance: Ongoing restrictions and obstacles thwart humanitarian organizations attempting to provide aid to Tigray. Delays in granting access, bureaucratic impediments, and allegations of aid diversion hinder the timely delivery of life-saving aid to the needy populace. Article 8(2)(b)(xxv) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court deems the act of starving civilians a war tactic, intentionally depriving them of vital resources, including obstructing relief supplies as stipulated by the Geneva Conventions. Presently, the humanitarian crisis in Tigray is the world’s most severe hunger crisis — an entirely man-made catastrophe orchestrated by the Ethiopian and Eritrean governments.
Lack of Commerce and Economic Paralysis: The Ethiopian government severed trade and economic activities in Tigray, leading to market closures, business shutdowns, bank closures, and a surge in unemployment. This economic paralysis deepened the region’s reliance on external aid. It’s noteworthy that for over two years, Tigray’s civil servants have gone unpaid, while the absence of employment opportunities has forced people to sell their possessions and assets for basic necessities like food, medications, and transportation.
The culmination of these interconnected factors has plunged Tigray into a state of dire desperation, compelling its population to implore for international assistance to meet even the most fundamental human needs. The tragic domino effect lays bare the devastating repercussions of conflict and the profound reach it can have, infiltrating every facet of a community’s well-being.
After reading this, I trust that you now comprehend the precarious situation the people of Tigray find themselves in. Their options are limited, and it’s crucial to note that they should not be subjected to blame or reprimand for seeking help. Who is responsible for placing them in this dire predicament? Repeatedly explaining the circumstances that have led the people of Tigray to their present state is exasperating. It’s truly infuriating that Tigray is being reduced to a mere charity case.
Given this understanding, the appeal for international assistance from the people of Tigray should not be misconstrued as an act of helplessness or dependency. Instead, it reflects their resilience and their struggle against insurmountable odds, driven by a deep desire for survival. The international community’s responsibility lies in recognizing the gravity of this crisis, demanding accountability, and providing the necessary aid and support for Tigray’s recovery.
Every human being has the inherent right to life.
