Aid worker killed in Ethiopia’s restive Tigray region

JOHANNESBURG

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) said Saturday that one of its staff was killed in an attack in Ethiopia’s war-torn Tigray region and another was wounded.

The global humanitarian aid agency said the worker died from injuries sustained during an attack Friday in Shire Town.

“Our colleague, a member of the health and nutrition team, was wounded whilst delivering life saving humanitarian aid to women and children,’’ it said in a statement that did not mention who conducted the attack.

The non-governmental organization said two civilians were also reportedly killed and three injured in the attack incident.

“The IRC is heartbroken over the loss of our colleague and will work to support our staff and their families during this terrible time,’’ it said, adding that aid workers and civilians should never be a target in the conflict.

The war between government forces and Tigray rebels erupted in November 2020 after the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) attacked federal army bases stationed across Tigray, including in the regional capital of Mekele.

UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths appealed earlier this month to the Ethiopian government and the rebels to resume negotiations. “Dialogue is the only way to end this deadly conflict,’’ he said.

Griffiths appealed to all parties to protect civilians and ensure the safety and security of humanitarian staff and their safe access to those in need.

He also urged the parties to allow the resumption of “rapid and unimpeded” passage of humanitarian supplies to the region.