Government providing swift response to declaration of humanitarian truce: GCS

Addis Ababa, April 2, 2022 ( FBC) – The Government of Ethiopia is giving a swift response to the declaration of an indefinite humanitarian truce based on its pledges to save lives and reduce human suffering, according to the Government Communication Service.

It is to be recalled that the Ethiopian government has declared a truce for the humanitarian needs of the people in the Tigray Region.

Briefing the media today, Minister of Government Communication Service Legesse Tulu said as per its pledges, the government is responding quickly, starting from the date the decision had been made, to provide humanitarian aid using both air and road transport.

International humanitarian institutions are providing pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and nutrition among others based on the decision made by the government, according to ENA.

From 20 trucks that have loaded WFP humanitarian aid by the road transport via Afar, 13 of them arrived in Mekelle on Friday while the rest are expected to arrive today, he confirmed.

The minister lauded the Afar people and government for their commitment and cooperation to the delivery of humanitarian aid  to the people of Tigray  via Afar —their readiness to ensure sustainable peace and stability is also commendable.

Urging Tigray militants to refrain from obstructing the humanitarian operation and disseminating fabricated information, he noted the tweets of  Tedros Adhanom  in this regard  to mislead  the international community.

The minister also called on the Tigray militants to withdraw from the Afar and Amhara districts so as to provide the necessary support for the communities. 

Noting that the Ethiopian government has taken various  actions based on the decision it made last week, Government Communication Services reaffirms the commitment of the government  to work closely with stakeholders to ensure full delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need.

Similarly, the National Disaster Risk Management Commissioner, Mitiku Kassa told ENA on Friday that following the decision made by the government, various humanitarian organizations have been providing medicine, medical equipment, nutritious foodstuffs and finance on daily basis via air transportation to the needy in Tigray.