Mekelle, 26 August 2022 (TDI): United States Agency for International Development (USAID) strongly condemns massive fuel theft in the Tigray region of Ethiopia by Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The fuel is intended for the delivery of essential lifesaving humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia.
. @USAID strongly condemns the TPLF’s theft of over 150,000 gallons of fuel for @WFP‘s work, and its harassment of aid workers. Impeding efforts to help feed Ethiopian civilians is deeply cruel, and we call on the TPLF to return the fuel and respect humanitarian operations. https://t.co/DGHMnU6BQP
— Samantha Power (@PowerUSAID) August 25, 2022
The Rebel forces overpowered staff at the World Food Program (WFP) warehouse in the regional capital of Mekelle. They looted 12 tankers carrying 570,000 liters of fuel destined for aid distribution trucks.
USAID Administrator, Samantha Power strongly condemns the TPLF’s theft of over 150,000 gallons of fuel for WFP’s work and its harassment of aid workers.
This looting occurred in the context of the resumption of fighting in Tigray between government forces and the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front. The government of Ethiopia condemned the attack owing that the TPLF violated the humanitarian truce and launched the offensive.
The World Food Program director, David Beasley, issued a statement condemning the theft, and called the incident “OUTRAGEOUS and DISGRACEFUL”. He demanded the return of the fuel.
Hours ago, Tigrayan authorities stole 570,000 liters of fuel for @WFP operations in #Tigray! Millions will starve if we do not have fuel to deliver food. This is OUTRAGEOUS and DISGRACEFUL. We demand THE return of this fuel NOW.
— David Beasley (@WFPChief) August 24, 2022
It now becomes impossible for WFP to distribute food, fertilizer, medicines, and other emergency supplies across Tigray. An estimated 5.2 million people face severe hunger in the region.
Longstanding fuel shortage
Tigray region has faced severe fuel shortages throughout the conflict. It has significantly curbed the ability of humanitarian agencies to distribute aid throughout the region. The region is experiencing high levels of food insecurity and malnutrition.
During its military operations in the Amhara region of Ethiopia last year, the TPLF looted USAID warehouses. It is now worth noting, that whether USAID will provide more humanitarian assistance or the TPLF would return the fuel in some time.
