Oxfam reaction to announced truce between TPLF and Ethiopian government

In response to today’s news of a truce between the Ethiopian federal government and the TPLF, Gezahegn Gebrehana, Oxfam in Ethiopia Country Director, said:

"Oxfam welcomes the cessation of hostilities agreed to by the government of Ethiopia and the TPLF. Over the past 17 months, civilians in Northern Ethiopia have borne the brunt of the fighting and continue to suffer from a severe lack of food, water, and safe spaces.

"As humanitarians, the most difficult part of this crisis has been that we have had supplies in our warehouses and staff ready to provide lifesaving aid, but due to the fighting were often unable to reach those most in need. We are hopeful that this development will finally allow our relief teams to fully access communities with life-saving food, water and sanitation, safety activities, and support for communities to rebuild their lives.

"We call on all parties to hold to these commitments, continue to deescalate, and allow unfettered humanitarian access to impacted communities in the north. Let this be the first step toward a sustainable and inclusive peace that centers the voices and priorities of women, youth, and other marginalized groups before more lives and livelihoods are needlessly lost.”