Meles downplays drought crisis in Ethiopia
- 6 have died and millions require immediate aid – UN report

By Simegnish Yekoye

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi denied the death of human beings and livestock in Ethiopia’s Borena zone, saying there is only a food shortage due to the failure of seasonal rains.
Recent consecutive reports of the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) repeatedly emphasize that many parts of eastern and southern Ethiopia are experiencing drought. Last week’s report said that more than one million people are currently facing critical water shortages, and 8 million people are in need of aid.

After a visit of journalists to one of the drought hit areas in Oromia state’s Borena zone, six people are reported to have died, and hospital sources confirmed that the deaths are related to hunger and lack of clean water.
However, Meles said in his report to Parliament that all reports saying people and livestock are dying are wrong.
"We know there is some problem and we are working towards it. But there is no death of people or livestock," Meles said, adding "in fact, the price of livestock in the market is still the same, and the people can sell their cattle at a good price."

Opposition group leader and Parliament representative Temesgen Zewede said there are more than 9 million people exposed to famine, but the deputy spokesperson of the Parliament stopped his speech, asking him to refer to proved statistics only.
The humanitarian situation in the lowland agro-pastoral areas of Oromia state is reaching a critical level, according to reports from UN agencies, government and humanitarian partners.

UNOcha field reports document a growing number of livestock deaths as well as general deterioration of animal health across affected areas. According to figures released by the regional bureau, a total number of 14,334 livestock deaths were recorded during the month of February.
According to the most recent figures available from the emergency coordination meeting in Borena zone, 29 schools in the eight affected districts zone have been forced to close, and approximately 3,700 children have dropped out of full-time education.

The report also specifies reserve food stores are dwindling due to the extended dry season, following two consecutive periods of drought in the region. Local markets have a limited supply of food stocks, and prices of basic provisions such as grain have increased, leaving already vulnerable groups exposed to more acute food insecurity.