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Washington, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Lead Republican Michael McCaul has released the following statement after the announcement of a humanitarian truce in Ethiopia. Over nine million people in Northern Ethiopia are facing emergency levels of food insecurity and in Tigray, less than eight percent of the necessary food supplies have been allowed into the region since July. 

“I am encouraged by the announcement of a humanitarian truce in Ethiopia. The humanitarian catastrophe in Tigray is dire, and it is appalling that aid convoys have been blocked for months. 

“The actions taken to operationalize this announcement must be judged in the coming days, not weeks. Prime Minister Abiy and his government, as well as regional authorities in Afar and Amhara, must immediately restore communication and banking services and continuously and proactively facilitate trucks of food, fuel, and medical supplies into Tigray. The TPLF must also take action now, to withdraw its forces from Afar and stop hostilities. All parties should proceed to negotiations for a permanent ceasefire without delay. 

“Unfortunately, we have seen empty promises before. That is why Congress will be closely monitoring developments on the ground and spoilers of this truce and commitment to humanitarian access must face consequences. I continue to support efforts to hold individuals and entities accountable for blocking humanitarian aid and perpetuating the fighting.”

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