Aid teams frustrated in Niger, Ethiopia

Aid workers are being hampered in their efforts to help people during the conflicts in Niger and Ethiopia's Tigray region, with a second wave of the coronavirus compounding the problems.

According to the United Nations, the conflicts in the two African countries have forced thousands to flee their homes and the insecurity is frustrating efforts by humanitarian organizations to access the displaced people.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on Monday that so far more than 222,000 people have been internally displaced due to the recent conflict in the Tigray region, in addition to the 100,000 people displaced before the conflict.

While humanitarian access into some areas of Tigray has slightly improved recently, the UN agency said it remains critically challenged by insecurity and bureaucratic constraints throughout the region.

Its initial assessment findings indicate a dire humanitarian situation throughout the region, with poor access to services and limited livelihoods as well as an urgent need for shelter, food, nonfood items, water and hygiene.

Additionally, health facilities in major cities are working with limited supplies, and sometimes none at all, with a lack of health workers. Many centers outside major cities have stopped operating.

Despite the challenges, the UN continues to engage with the government of Ethiopia and other parties for the safe passage of humanitarian personnel and supplies to all parts of Tigray.

In Niger, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said an estimated 1,000 people have been displaced due to the attacks on the villages of Tchamo Bangou and Zaroumadareye.

Further attacks feared

Additionally, people fearing further attacks are also fleeing areas around the two villages.

Armed groups carried out the raids on the two villages on Saturday, killing at least 100 people and injuring 25 others.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, or UNHCR, those who have been displaced are trying to reach Ouallam, a town around 90 kilometers north of Niamey in southwestern Niger. Most of them are making the journey on foot.

The UN agency said that, together with its partners, it has been providing humanitarian assistance to refugees and internally displaced people. The pandemic is complicating the humanitarian response.

"We are preparing to assist the people with essential care, shelter, and protection, but also psychological support to help them overcome the horror they have experienced," Alessandra Morelli, the Niger representative of the UNHCR, said in a statement on Monday.

The UN is calling on armed groups in Niger to comply with international humanitarian law and immediately stop all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensure adequate conditions for the humanitarian operations.