Cash Shortage in Tigray Banks Stalls Humanitarian Aid Efforts

The head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that limited cash availability in banks across the Tigray region is severely hindering humanitarian organizations’ efforts to deliver aid to displaced people.

Lokuju Peter, Head of the OCHA Tigray Sub-Office, stated that aid agencies are facing operational difficulties due to the shortage of cash in local banks, restricting their ability to provide assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs). He noted that the challenge is compounded by declining donor support, further complicating the humanitarian response.

Peter made the remarks during a meeting in Mekelle between OCHA and officials from the Tigray Disaster Risk Management Commission.

Lieutenant General Tadesse Werede, President of the Interim Administration of Tigray, also attended the discussion. He cautioned that the growing number of displaced people could worsen the humanitarian crisis if a lasting solution is not found.

General Tadesse emphasized that many IDPs are in dire conditions, lacking food, medicine, shelter, and vaccination services. He urged humanitarian organizations and partners to strengthen their support and prepare adequately before the situation deteriorates further.

The interim administration has launched a fundraising campaign aimed at helping displaced families return to their homes and rebuild their lives.

Peter added that some organizations, including Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the International Rescue Committee (IRC), and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), have begun receiving cash from the federal level to ease the shortage. He also highlighted ongoing deficits in fuel, medicine, vaccines, and food supplies, stressing that coordinated support and sustained attention from stakeholders are essential to meet the humanitarian needs of the displaced.