The Trump administration’s recent decision to suspend USAID operations has severely impacted Ethiopia’s Tigray region, where a two-year civil war displaced millions. Ethiopia, the largest recipient of US aid in sub-Saharan Africa, received $1.8 billion in 2023. These funds supported crucial programs, including HIV treatment, vaccinations, and refugee assistance. However, the aid suspension has now disrupted these services, leaving many vulnerable.
Impact of the Shutdown on Displaced Ethiopians
With USAID’s staff placed on administrative leave for a 90-day review, relief organizations have been forced to halt food and medical aid programs. The crackdown follows allegations of excessive government expenditure, led by Elon Musk and President Trump. As a result, food grain deliveries to over 20,000 displaced people outside Tigray’s capital, Mekele, have been suspended.
“We will just die in silence,” said Tsege, a resident among the 2.4 million displaced individuals in Tigray. Although emergency food deliveries were technically exempt from Trump’s executive order, a non-functional USAID payment system has paralyzed aid distribution.
Food Stockpiles Rot as Malnutrition Rises
Relief organizations have been unable to distribute over 5,000 metric tons of sorghum, sufficient to feed 300,000 people for a month. Without funds for fuel and transportation, the grains remain locked in warehouses, at risk of rotting.
Teklewoini Assefa, head of the Relief Society of Tigray, expressed concern: “This is just one warehouse; there are several others across the region. This will create malnutrition, disease. If this situation continues, what follows? Death.”
Malnutrition levels among children in affected areas have reached 21%—far above the World Health Organization’s emergency threshold of 15%. Aid workers warn that without immediate intervention, famine conditions may worsen.
Aid Programs for Trauma Victims Also Suspended
Beyond food aid, psychological support programs for women affected by conflict-related sexual violence have also been suspended. The US-based Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) was forced to furlough staff after receiving a stop-work order from the Trump administration.
“This sudden disruption is having a huge impact on the healing of traumatized people,” said CVT manager Yohannes Fisseha.
Yirga Gebregziabher, Tigray branch manager of Ethiopian aid organization OSSHD, criticized the decision, stating: “If there was a process, maybe the shock would have been less. But there was no consultation, no engagement.”
Uncertain Future for Ethiopia’s Displaced
The abrupt shutdown of USAID relief operations in Ethiopia raises serious concerns about the survival of millions relying on humanitarian aid. Without urgent intervention, malnutrition, disease, and suffering will continue to rise in the war-torn region.