UN Envoy Warns Against Return of War in Ethiopia

UNHCR Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mohammed Abdi Affey speaks with Asharq Al-Awsat in the interview (Saad al-Anzi)
UNHCR Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mohammed Abdi Affey speaks with Asharq Al-Awsat in the interview (Saad al-Anzi)
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UN Envoy Warns Against Return of War in Ethiopia

UNHCR Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mohammed Abdi Affey speaks with Asharq Al-Awsat in the interview (Saad al-Anzi)
UNHCR Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mohammed Abdi Affey speaks with Asharq Al-Awsat in the interview (Saad al-Anzi)

UNHCR Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mohammed Abdi Affey has warned the Ethiopian parties against a return to fighting between the government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), saying any such move could cause a humanitarian catastrophe.

Affey announced there were 103 million displaced persons and refugees, including 25 million in Africa, stressing the urgent need for $40 million in aid to help the displaced and Somali refugees.

During an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, the UN official stressed the need to end the war, warning that it would create the worst humanitarian disaster in the region.

Affey hoped international partners would follow the lead of Saudi Arabia in the generous partnership to save the tragic humanitarian situation, describing the Kingdom as the “best partner in humanitarian aid globally.”

He called on the international community to play an influential role in ending the war in Ukraine and the countries of the Horn of Africa.

Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of humanitarian work:

Affey, who is visiting Riyadh, discussed supporting and assisting displaced persons and refugees with officials of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, Assistant State Minister for African Affairs Sami al-Saleh, the Secretary-General of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation, and the President of the Islamic Development Bank in Jeddah.

The world currently has 103 million displaced persons and refugees, 25 million in Africa, said the UN official.

He pointed out that Sudan hosts more than one million refugees from South Sudan, Ethiopia, Chad, Somalia, Central Africa, and Eritrea.

He extended his gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its influential partnership and substantial efforts, noting the support of Saudi institutions that provide a suitable environment for the refugees.

Somali and Ukrainian tragedy:

Affey noted that he discussed with Saudi officials the possible solutions to the current situation in the Horn of Africa as the biggest tragic humanitarian challenge facing the region, especially in Somalia.

The situation in Somalia creates pressure on the international organization, with more than 200,000 refugees and displaced persons fleeing to neighboring countries during the past three years.

He asserted that the situation calls for concerted international efforts and humanitarian initiatives, such as Saudi Arabia’s, to alleviate human suffering in the region and Somalia.

Affey said the “tragic situation” that resulted from the Russian-Ukrainian war increased the international agency's urgent need for more financial support.

He called on international partners to provide support to face global humanitarian challenges during the next few months and relieve the enormous pressure that the international organization is suffering from due to the tragic humanitarian conditions and the ongoing refugee wave in many parts of the world, including the Horn of Africa.

The consequences of the ongoing conflict in the Horn of Africa:

The UN official stressed that one of the challenges currently facing the international agency included the raging conflict in the Horn of Africa.

He noted that 65,000 refugees arrived from Ethiopia in Sudan, and more than two million displaced persons and refugees fled South Sudan to neighboring countries, announcing that UNHCR is working on several projects and agreements with the governments of Sudan and South Sudan.

The UN official stressed the need to implement the relevant clause in the Juba Peace Agreement, signed by the Sudanese parties.

The agency is currently working with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Sudanese government to find long-term solutions, including sustainable development projects that alleviate the tragic humanitarian conditions of the refugees inside and outside Sudan and South Sudan.

The African Union plays a significant role in sponsoring the Juba Peace Agreement, said Affey, adding that the UNHCR is delighted to achieve positive results to correct the humanitarian situation in the region.

He lauded the efforts of the Ethiopian parties to stop the war and prioritize dialogue to confront the humanitarian conditions of refugees and displaced persons in Ethiopia and neighboring countries.

Somalia needs $40 billion to deal with the tragic situation amid a lack of support and aid provided to the government.



UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.