Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting refugees in Ethiopia, pledging ongoing support amid escalating humanitarian needs. The Russian government announced it will provide essential aid, including food supplies, particularly in East Africa, where the situation remains critical due to conflicts and natural disasters.
On January 9, 2025, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) received a significant donation of 1,630 metric tons of wheat from the Russian Federation, aimed at supporting refugees in the Gambella region of Ethiopia. This donation is crucial as Ethiopia currently hosts over one million refugees, primarily from Somalia, South Sudan, and Eritrea, with new arrivals fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The WFP highlighted that the influx of Sudanese refugees has intensified the demand for life-saving humanitarian assistance.
The handover ceremony took place at the WFP’s main logistics center in Adama City and was attended by notable figures including Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia Evgeny Terekin, WFP Deputy Country Director Jennifer Bitonde, and Mulualem Desta from the Refugee and Returnees Service. Ambassador Evgeny Terekin emphasized that this aid reflects the longstanding friendly relations between Russia and Ethiopia and is part of a broader development cooperation strategy. He stated, “I really believe that the close cooperation between donor countries and UN agencies is of great significance.”
Jennifer Bitonde expressed gratitude for Russia’s continued support, noting that timely food aid is invaluable. However, she also stressed the importance of achieving sustainable food security through increased agricultural production. Currently, around 800,000 refugees have been receiving only 60% of their regular food rations for over a year. In contrast, newly arrived Sudanese refugees are receiving full meals, with plans to maintain this level of support for at least six months.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia is exacerbated by various factors, including insecurity and climate change. As the country grapples with these challenges, international partnerships like that with Russia are vital for providing essential resources to those in need.
