The deteriorating situation in Ethiopia is deeply troubling, says LWF

Escalation of violence poses a threat to people and communities 

(LWI) – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is closely following the ongoing conflict and tensions in Ethiopia. It is extremely concerned about the recent escalation of violence, which poses severe threats to people and communities. 

“Too many lives have already been lost, thousands of people have been displaced. Many more have lost their livelihoods. Urgent action is required to deescalate the conflict and to work towards justice, peace and reconciliation,” said LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Martin Junge. 

Speaking from the LWF Communion Office in Geneva, Junge said he had written a pastoral letter to the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), the LWF member church in the country, to express his solidarity and prayers. 

“In my letter to the church, I mentioned that we are alarmed by the reports we are seeing and hearing about the deteriorating situation in Ethiopia.” 

LWF’s work of providing assistance and protection to refugees, internally displaced people and host communities in 25 countries worldwide through its humanitarian and development arm World Service, includes Ethiopia and the greater Horn of Africa.  

“The reports we are receiving of massive displacement are distressing. It is even more concerning that there is a severe shortage of essential supplies and the delivery of humanitarian assistance is highly constrained or blocked altogether. Under these conditions, the most vulnerable, particularly refugees and internally displaced persons, including women and children disproportionately suffer from the conflict,” added Junge. 

“We have heard alarming reports of attacks targeting civilians, many of whom were already marginalized and vulnerable. I strongly call all parties to the conflict and the international community to ensure their safety and protection, including through the application of regional and international human rights mechanisms.”  

The LWF is working together with its partners to assess the situation and to seek ways to quickly respond to the needs of the affected communities. 

“As we call for de-escalation of the conflict in Ethiopia, we urge the United Nations and the international community to take urgent action. There is a real risk that the entire region could descend into a serious violent conflict if no decisive action is taken”