Ethiopia, a country in the Horn of Africa, is currently facing a desperate humanitarian crisis with over 4.38 million people internally displaced across 11 regions.
This dire situation was highlighted by the International Organization for Migration in a statement released on Wednesday.
The IOM collected this alarming data through its Displacement Tracking Matrix methodology, which took place between November 2022 and June 2023. The findings revealed that conflict was the leading cause of displacement, accounting for approximately 66 percent of cases. Drought was responsible for 18 percent, while social tension accounted for 7 percent.
It is particularly distressing to note that Ethiopia’s conflict-affected Tigray region was included in the IOM report for the first time since September 2021. This signifies a worsening situation and a growing number of people being displaced due to ongoing conflicts in the region.
The highest number of internally displaced persons is found in the Somali region, primarily due to drought. On the other hand, the Tigray region hosts the highest number of IDPs who have been forced to leave their homes due to conflict. This highlights the complexity and multiple factors contributing to the displacement crisis in Ethiopia.
The IOM, since 2016, has been closely monitoring the humanitarian and displacement situation in Ethiopia through area-based assessments. These assessments capture essential information such as the number of displaced persons and returnees, their locations, and their specific needs. The purpose of these assessments is to provide valuable data that can inform and shape broader humanitarian and development responses.
The fact that millions of people are internally displaced within their own country is deeply concerning. This mass displacement not only disrupts the lives of these individuals and their families but also poses significant challenges for Ethiopia as a whole. The burden on already scarce resources is further exacerbated, making it even harder to provide adequate assistance and support to those in need.
Addressing the root causes of displacement is crucial for long-term solutions. Conflict, drought, and social tension have played significant roles in the displacement crisis in Ethiopia.
Efforts must be made to find peaceful resolutions to conflicts, invest in infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of drought, and foster social cohesion to reduce tensions within communities.
Furthermore, international community support is vital in providing the necessary aid and funding to address this humanitarian crisis effectively. Collaboration between organizations such as the
IOM and other stakeholders involved in humanitarian and development work is instrumental in coordinating efforts and ensuring a comprehensive response to the needs of the displaced population.
