US Pledge $331 Million in Aid to Ethiopia

During a visit to Ethiopia, Antony Blinken, Secretary of State for the United States of America (USA), announced that his country will be giving $331 million towards relieving the current humanitarian crisis.

Blinken revealed the aid package on Wednesday, 15 March, outside a United Nations logistics warehouse in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

“This funding will provide life-saving support to those displaced and affected by conflict, drought, and food insecurity in Ethiopia,” he said.

The funds will be earmarked for “food, shelter, safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, healthcare efforts, education, and other key services” said the Secretary of State, who added that the new endowment brings total aid provided by the USA for Ethiopia to $780 million.

Earlier that same day, Blinken had met with Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, and the country’s Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, during which he pressed for accountability from the East African country for the injustices committed during its recent regional conflict.

The two parties discussed “the need for an inclusive and comprehensive process of transitional justice,” according to a statement from the meeting.

On Thursday, 16 March, Blinken will also have a historic visit to Niger – the first in his position to do so.

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