Addis Abeba– Food aid deliveries have resumed in Bugna district, North Wollo zone, Amhara Region, following an agreement facilitated by local elders after a two-month suspension due to security concerns.
Alemu Yimer, head of the North Wollo Zone Disaster Prevention and Food Security Office, told Addis Standard that while other districts in the zone also experienced food shortages, aid deliveries there were not interrupted due to the absence of similar security issues. Supplies, including grain, nutritional products, and medicines, were delivered on time to those areas.
However, Alemu noted that aid deliveries to Bugna and neighboring districts in Lasta were delayed due to ongoing clashes between government security forces and Fano militants.
The official reported that community elders, religious leaders, and agricultural and health professionals from Bugna district held discussions with government officials and security representatives on Friday, December 13, 2024, in Lalibela town to address the issue.
Alemu said the community representatives assured officials that they would take responsibility for ensuring the safe delivery of the aid if it was sent to the area.
Following this agreement, Alemu confirmed that over 16,000 quintals of grain have been transported to Bugna district since 17 December, which, according to him, is under the control of Fano militants, to assist more than 110,000 people.
He also mentioned that 5,100 quintals of aid were requested from the federal government for 34,000 residents of Lalibela town, with 1,200 quintals having already arrived.
Addis Standard previously reported that over 10,000 residents in Bugna district are facing severe food shortages due to prolonged drought and ongoing conflict. Children under five are among those hardest hit by the crisis.
The U.S. Embassy in Addis Abeba announced on Friday, 21 December, 2024, that its partners are “currently surging food and nutrition support.” The embassy stated, “We will continue to follow and assess the situation and work to ensure the crisis is addressed,” adding, “We are closely following the recent reports of the nutrition crisis in Bugna [district].” AS
