President Calls for Enhanced Diaspora Engagement in Rehabilitating War-affected Communities

1216

Addis Ababa January 24/2022/ENA/ President Sahlework Zewde said the conflict has brought about enormous human and material devastation that needs enhanced diaspora support in all round rehabilitation endeavors.

The "One Family for One Diaspora" agreement signed between the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs and the diaspora members last night with the presence of President Sahlework Zewde  would help to support the conflict victims in Amara and Afar regions.

It is public knowledge that the terrorist TPLF with the covert approval of some western powers invaded the Amhara and Afar regional states, causing tremendous humanitarian crises and material destructions.      

 Speaking on the occasion, the president said  in addition to the contribution made by all citizens, it is a critical juncture to Ethiopia that the country needs support from its diaspora to rebuild the damaged infrastructure and rehabilitate war affected communities.

“Despite efforts to end the conflict and gunshot,  the restoration effort of human and material damage caused by the war is a major task. Priority should be given to rebuilding devastated infrastructure and rehabilitating the displaced population and providing particular support to children affected by the conflict.”

Recalling what war entails, the president described the recent conflict that has happened in Ethiopia as “its destructiveness is a departure from Ethiopian identity.”

She added that the conflict in particular has affected women and children, causing extreme trauma on them. “History has shown to us that war has affected the peaceful part of society. In this regard, the current conflict in Ethiopia has mainly affected women and children,” she indicated.

 The "One Family for One Diaspora" initiative will be implemented based on consent where  a single diaspora member will sponsor four children. Moreover, support will be provided to a family member or child in the area where they live, up to 800 birr per month.

Sahlework further stated the government has been exerting maximum efforts to rebuild the war affected areas and working hard to mobilize resources.

“The government is working to rebuild war-torn areas and rehabilitate those displaced people. However, as the government alone will not achieve the target, the community and non-government organizations are also on board,” she said.

Appreciating the diaspora community that has pledged to support victims, the president said   given the scope of human and material damages, much work remains to be done.

 Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ergoge Tesfaye, on her part said  Ethiopian Diaspora have played a critical role in addressing the socio-economic devastation, committed by the terrorist TPLF  aggression.

“The Diaspora and all segments of the society must continue to play an active role, as it requires a great deal of effort to rehabilitate the displaced communities,” the minister urged.

Ethiopian News Agency
2023