This archive report was first published on 25 August 2021.
On August 25, 2021, the United States Agency for International Development (USAid) denied allegations that it had provided food aid to fighters of the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF).
The denial comes after several reports in local media in Ethiopia implicated aid agencies in providing humanitarian assistance to the rebels.
According to local reports, nutritious foods intended for children and mothers have been provided to TPLF and allied fighters.
USAid stated that it monitors food distributions to ensure that it is supporting the neediest, not combatants.
“USAid rejects any accusation that food assistance is knowingly or willingly given to soldiers,” said a statement from the US Embassy in Addis Ababa, posted on its social media page.
However, USAid acknowledged that in conflict areas, armed actors often steal food from those in need.
USAid is Ethiopia’s largest donor of life-saving food and care, currently feeding roughly 7 percent of Ethiopia’s citizens in various parts of the country.
