Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo Urges Immediate Cessation of Attacks on Aid Workers and Unconditional Return of Looted Humanitarian Assets
By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo, issued a statement addressing the volatile security situation across northern Ethiopia, warning that renewed hostilities severely jeopardize civilian protection and emergency response operations.
Dr. Ojielo highlighted that communities previously displaced by years of conflict face severe overlapping security risks as new displacement surges across the region.
The statement detailed significant operational disruptions confronting humanitarian organizations operating across conflict zones between 2025 and 2026.
Armed groups looted at least 10 humanitarian vehicles, with only two returned to date. Humanitarian personnel face detentions, forced displacement, and harassment, while public institutions and vital civilian infrastructure continue to suffer occupation, damage, and destruction. Dr. Ojielo emphasized that these actions directly disrupt emergency relief and create severe obstacles to delivering life-saving support to vulnerable communities.
Reaffirming that international humanitarian law strictly protects aid personnel, facilities, and assets from attack, Dr. Ojielo called for the immediate, unconditional return of all looted vehicles and equipment.
The Coordinator urged all combatant parties to respect international law, eliminate obstacles to relief operations, and guarantee safe, unhindered access for humanitarian workers. Additionally, the statement advised operating agencies to maintain clearly visible markings on all vehicles and materials, adhere strictly to codes of conduct, and implement required notification protocols when traveling through high-risk operational corridors.
__
Join our Telegram Channel : t.me/borkena
Like borkena on Facebook
Join the conversation. Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter) @zborkena to get the latest Ethiopian News updates regularly. Subscribe to YouTube channel To share information or for submission, send e-mail to info@borkena.com
To Support Borkena : https://borkena.com/subscribe-borkena/ – one time support or small monthly options available. Inquire information about it : info@borkena.com