In November 2020, conflict broke out in the Tigray region in northern Ethiopia. Though the violence did spread to some of the surrounding regions, including eastern Amhara, it remained centred mainly around the Tigray border. In November 2022, a peace deal was made between the Ethiopian government and Tigrayan authorities.

In times of crisis, Compassion’s highest priority is the safety and protection of the children we serve. We’re so grateful for your faithfulness in standing alongside our staff and church partners in Ethiopia.

Impacts in the Tigray region

Even though a peace deal has now been made, the two-year conflict had devastating ramifications for our neighbours in Tigray. Because of the conflict, transportation, banking and communications were cut-off in the Tigray region from June 2021 to May 2023. Our ability to stay in touch with and deliver aid to our local church partners in this area was hindered. As a result, after prayerful consideration, Compassion made the difficult decision to temporarily pause our operations in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. We notified supporters who sponsor children in this area to provide updates and discuss next steps for their contributions.

Now that the violence has subsided, Compassion has been able to resume all normal operations in the Tigray region. We remain committed to these churches and the communities they serve for the long term and are supporting them through disaster recovery. Children and family members have received support, including the provision of emergency food packs, assistance with rental fees and trauma counselling services.

Impacts in the Amhara region

There was a temporary disruption to communication with some church partners in eastern Amhara in late 2021. In December 2021, we were able to regain communication with these churches and began our crisis recovery efforts there.

Compassion supported and resourced our Amhara church partners to provide immediate emergency support, including food, critical supplies, housing costs, medical care and trauma counselling for children, family members and staff.

Compassion Ethiopia has worked with ministry partners to mobilise trauma counsellors and volunteer health professionals. These include doctors, nurses, dental specialists and psychiatrists, who travelled to the region to conduct health screening, individual and group counselling, and medical treatments for participants.

Compassion's relief efforts have extended to local schools, health centres, and water and sanitation facilities. Through the provision of furniture, technology and equipment to schools in the Amhara and Afar regions, students were able to continue their education.

Impacts throughout the rest of Ethiopia

Throughout the rest of the country, our local church partners continue to deliver their usual programming to children and support the specific needs of their communities, with a priority focus on child protection.

Please pray for children, families and staff in Ethiopia.

Our neighbours in Ethiopia are still feeling the physical and psychological effects of the conflict. As of August 2022, an estimated 47 per cent of households in Tigray are experiencing severe food insecurity. Pray for the health and wellbeing of children and families, and for our local church partners who are working to meet their urgent needs.

If you have further questions about the conflict in Ethiopia or how it impacts your sponsorship, please contact us on 1300 22 44 53 or at compassion@compassion.com.au.