Investigative Report on Theft of US Emergency Aid to Ethiopia

 Reuters published on 18 October 2024 an investigative report titled "UN Food Agency Failed to Act as U.S. Aid Was Looted in Ethiopia" by Giulia Paravicini, Steve Stecklow, and Tiksa Negeri.  

Thousands of tons of food aid provided by USAID to the World Food Program (WFP) were diverted from hungry Ethiopian civilians in Tigray Region in 2023 to the Ethiopian military, Eritrean soldiers, and Tigrayan forces.  The authors allege that WFP staff chose to ignore the illegal diversions.  As a result, USAID temporarily shut down the assistance program.

USAID to Resume Delivery of Food Aid to Ethiopia

 The Associated Press published on 15 November 2023 an article titled "U.S. Will Resume Food Aid to Millions in Ethiopia after Monthslong Pause over Massive Corruption."

After implementing wide-ranging reforms in the procedures for distributing food aid in Ethiopia, USAID has agreed to resume the program.  One-sixth of Ethiopians were receiving food aid before the discovery of massive theft early this year.  

Background of Food Diversion in Ethiopia

 Devex, which provides reporting for global development professionals, published on 28 August 2023 an article titled "Exclusive: 'Rot Is So Much Deeper'--Decades of Ethiopia Aid Manipulation" by Elissa Miolene and Colum Lynch. 

The story describes the manipulation and diversion of emergency food aid in Ethiopia that has a long history and recently came to a head in Tigray Region.  

Some Food Aid Resumes in Ethiopia

 The Associated Press published on 8 August 2023 an article titled "The World Food Program Slowly Resumes Food Aid to Ethiopia after Months of Suspension and Criticism" by Cara Anna.

Following widespread theft of food aid by the government, the WFP has resumed the delivery of wheat to Tigray Region.  USAID continues to suspend deliveries throughout Ethiopia until it can assure the food is going to people in need.

U.S. Removes Human Rights Sanctions on Ethiopia

 Foreign Policy published on 29 June 2023 an article titled "U.S. Lifts Human Rights Violation Designation on Ethiopia" by Robbie Gramer.

The United States has lifted the legal designation that will allow it to resume U.S. and international economic aid to Ethiopia.  However, the decision follows a suspension of American food aid to Ethiopia because of massive theft from the program.  

Suspension of Food Aid in Ethiopia Contributes to Deaths

 The Associated Press published on 29 June 2023 an article titled "US Says It's Horrified by Conditions in Ethiopia after Theft Leads to Food Aid Pause and Deaths."

USAID said its decision to pause food aid in Ethiopia because of massive theft by Ethiopian government officials was a last resort but acknowledged it has contributed to hundreds of deaths due to hunger.  

Suspension of Food Aid in Ethiopia Poses Serious Policy and Program Challenges

 Ethiopia Insight published on 22 June 2023 a commentary titled "Aid Suspension Threatens Millions of Ethiopian Lives" by Duke Burbridge, who has covered the humanitarian situation in Tigray Region for the past two years.

The suspension of food assistance by the World Food Program and USAID due to massive diversion of the aid could be devastating for the 5.4 million people in need in Tigray Region.  The author acknowledged the corrupt diversion of food, but was critical of USAID and WFP for not sharing more information about the reasons for the suspension and how they plan to solve the problem.  

Massive Diversion of US Food Aid in Ethiopia Resulting in Hunger

 The Associated Press published on 21 June 2023 an article titled "Once Starved by War Millions of Ethiopians Go Hungary as U.S., U.N. Pause Aid after Massive Theft."

Following the massive diversion of food aid to military units and markets, the US and UN suspended their programs.  This may be the largest ever diversion of US food aid.  Some of the food was looted by forces from neighboring Eritrea.  US and UN officials are trying to limit or end the Ethiopian government's role in the distribution system.

More on Diversion of US Food Aid in Ethiopia

 The New York Times published on 8 June 2023 an article titled "U.S. Suspends Food Aid for Ethiopia, Citing Widespread Theft" by Declan Walsh and Abdi Latif Dahir.

The Ethiopian government has agreed to investigate charges that a "coordinated and criminal scheme" is diverting US food aid from needy Ethiopians to commercial markets and unintended recipients.  

Will Russia Sell Stolen Ukrainian Wheat to Africa?

 The New York Times published on 5 June 2022 an article titled "Russia Seeks Buyers for Plundered Ukraine Grain, U.S. Warns" by Declan Walsh and Valerie Hopkins.  

The US has warned 14 countries, mostly in Africa, that the Kremlin is trying to sell grain that it has stolen from storage facilities in those parts of Ukraine that it has invaded.  

Chinese Demand for Gelatin Threatens African Donkey Population

The Washington Post published on 11 January 2020 an article titled "Chinese Demand Is Fueling Donkey Theft and Stressing Out Farmers in Ghana" by Danielle Paquette and Maxwell Suuk.

High Chinese demand for donkey hides used to make gelatin is decimating the donkey population in some African countries and resulting in donkey theft because of the money that can be made from donkey skins.