Ethiopia Update

In November 2020, conflict broke out in the Tigray (northern) region of Ethiopia and had since spread to some of the surrounding regions.

At the end of March 2022, the Ethiopian government declared a ceasefire to allow aid into Tigray, and on 1 April the first UN aid convoy since 2021 reached Mekelle. Sadly, conflict resumed in August.

If you sponsor within Ethiopia, please rest assured that we’ll let you know of any updates from our local partners as we receive them. 

As the conflict escalated, there were impacts to Compassion’s ministry in several regions of Ethiopia. On this page, Compassion sponsors and supporters will find updates on the situation, prayer requests and answers to frequently asked questions.

How the conflict has impacted Compassion’s work in Ethiopia

Impact on projects

Within Tigray and Amhara regions

Our partners are not currently reporting major impacts, but our neighbours in the region may experience disruption to travel, decreased access to goods and services, and internet outages during the conflict. 

If you sponsor a child in the affected regions please be assured that in the event of an impact to a child or youth they sponsor, we’ll share information as soon as possible.

Outside of the Tigray and Amhara regions, projects, including in the affected Amhara region, are now operating as normal.

Impact on gifts and letters

As we respond to this conflict, delivery letters and gifts to and from Ethiopia, outside of the Tigray region, may be delayed. Our church partners and staff are still focusing on the immediate needs of children, families, and their communities during this challenging time.

Please do refrain from discussing the conflict in your greetings to help keep sponsored children and young people as safe as possible.

How you can respond

Please pray

We’re so grateful for your faithfulness in standing alongside our staff and church partners in Ethiopia. Your prayers are so important, and we’d like to invite you to pray with us for the following:

• Ask God for peace during this turbulent time in Tigray and Amhara
• Pray for a lack of disruption to much-needed supplies so they reach those in greatest need.
• Pray for the protection of children, youth and their families, and our Ethiopian staff and frontline church partners.
• Pray for our frontline church partners who are doing their best to respond to the needs of their neighbours.
• Pray for the ability to deliver normal programme activities to children and families be restored.

We understand you may have further questions. Please do call our friendly team on 01932 836490 if you have any questions or concerns.  We’d love to help.

Our phone lines are open from Monday to Friday, click here to find out more.