Ethiopian Crisis
Learn More
About My Project
Why Ethiopia?
Ethiopia has a very interesting history. It was one of two African countries that survived as an independent nation until it was invaded by Italy in 1935. The current Ethiopian civil war has roots back to the old military junta during the late 20th century. What is happening at the moment in Ethiopia is disastrous, yet it has rarely been mentioned in western media.
Why is there a civil war?
The civil war between the TPLF and EDF
Since November 2020, Ethiopia has been fighting a bloody civil war. The two main forces are the TPLF (Tigrayans Peoples Liberation Front) and the EDF (Ethiopian Defence Force) The Ethiopian civil war has its roots all the way back to the first civil war. From 1974-1991, Ethiopia had its first civil war in which the old military junta was overthrown and a coalition government led by the TPLF was formed.
​
The new coalition government was very successful for Ethiopia. There was a rapid development process, mass infrastructure spending. There was also a very strong economic success. Unfortunately, The TPLF used very strong oppression and violence against the civilian population, which understandably angered most of the population.
​
The TPLF were overthrown by representatives of the Oromo and Amhara communities. The government was replaced with the new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Abiy Ahmed was initially a great success, winning the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize.
​
Abiy Ahmed removed members of the TPLF from their previous roles. In 2020, Prime Minister Ahmed offered a place in the coalition government to the TPLF, but they refused. In summer 2020, the TPLF held a regional election despite polls being closed throughout the country due to the COVID pandemic.
​
Finally, the TPLF attacked military bases in the Tigray region beginning the second Ethiopian civil war.
​
​
Humanitarian Crisis
The Ethiopian civil war has led to a massive humanitarian crisis unfolding in northern Ethiopia, most notably the Tigray, Amhara, and Afar regions. An estimated 9 million people are in dire need of food.
​
Since 14th December 2021, the main supply route through the Afar region and into northern Ethiopia has been blockaded by the Ethiopian government. Crucial supplies such as food, medicine, and clean water have been unable to reach the millions of people in northern Ethiopia.
​
The UN has said that an estimated, $957 million is needed to stabilise the crisis. Currently, an estimated $337.50 million has been raised.
Contact Me
I hope that this website has helped further expand your knowledge surrounding the current Ethiopian crisis. If you would like to know further information contact me here.