Ethiopian Health System Near Collapse

The health infrastructure in northern Ethiopia is under severe strain due to renewed fighting in the region. On Monday, the head of the World Health Organization stated that recent violence has pushed the fragile medical system closer to failure. The comments came as reports emerged of civilians killed in separate incidents in two neighboring regions.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO director-general, said in a post on X that children were among those killed in the Jaari 2 displacement camp in the Amhara region. Reports indicated that a newborn was among the dead. In the nearby Tigray region, several people reportedly died in Rama while attempting to secure food supplies. The WHO chief did not provide specific casualty counts or dates for these incidents, nor did he name the groups responsible for the attacks.

Ghebreyesus noted that drone strikes and civilian casualties are becoming a frequent occurrence across Ethiopia. He described the northern hospitals as lacking sufficient medical staff, medicines, and equipment. Ambulance services are severely limited, and insecurity on the ground is hindering the delivery of medical supplies. The WHO and other United Nations agencies are currently working to transport additional resources to the area. The director-general emphasized that civilians must be protected and that health workers and humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach those in need.

The renewed combat has effectively shattered a peace agreement signed in November 2022 between the federal government and rebel forces in Tigray. This development has increased fears of a wider conflict. Ghebreyesus, who is of Tigrayan descent, served as Ethiopia's foreign minister and health minister when the Tigray People's Liberation Front led the governing coalition. His criticism has led some Ethiopian authorities to accuse him of political bias. In January 2022, the government claimed he used his position to advance political interests. Ghebreyesus acknowledged his regional ties but maintained that he spoke without partiality.

The federal government faces armed opposition in both Amhara and Oromia. In Amhara, Fano, a loosely organized network of Amhara ethnic militias, has fought federal forces since 2023. In Oromia, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church reported that at least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in separate attacks. Ervin J. Massinga, the U.S. ambassador, condemned the reported selective killings in the Arsi zone on Saturday. He called for an investigation and stated that such horrific attacks against any group must stop, according to a statement published by the U.S. embassy on social media.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on social media that government leaders are receiving military training in Hurso, located in the east of the country. He said the training strengthens discipline, leadership, and readiness. Photos shared online showed Ahmed with participants wearing khaki outfits. Other images depicted group exercises and push-ups. The government has not yet released a public statement specifically addressing the recent attacks in Amhara and Tigray.

The Ethiopian People's Survival Forces Alliance, a coalition of seven opposition groups, released a video statement approving plans to strengthen cooperation among its members. The coalition aims to coordinate campaigns within Ethiopia and among the diaspora, as well as expand diplomatic outreach. The alliance accused the ruling Prosperity Party of fueling conflict, displacement, and poverty. It called for an inclusive political transition. The group formed in September with the stated goal of removing Ahmed's government.

The seven members of the alliance include the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the Amhara National Movement Fano, the Oromo Liberation Army, the Ogaden National Liberation Front, the Afar Revolutionary Democratic Unity Front, the Benishangul Peoples Liberation Movement, and the Gumuz Peoples Democratic Movement.