In 1984, correspondent Brian Stewart, producer Tony Burman and a CBC crew brought the news of the Ethiopian famine to the world. They returned a year later as the famine and relief efforts continued. Famine refugees huddled at dawn in hope of food aid. Makelle, Ethiopia, 1984. (CBC Photo/Brian Stewart) British Minister Withholds Aid As Ethiopia Hides
Famine Victims -- Times Online
Famine Victims -- Times Online
Britain is to withhold future aid commitments to Ethiopia over concerns that its Government is obstructing efforts to help millions at risk of famine in the drought-stricken Somali region in the east of the country.
Douglas Alexander, the Minister for International Development, flew to Ethiopia on Thursday with a proposal committing millions in funds to the vast African nation over several years.
After visiting the Somali region and hearing the testimony of aid organisations as well as evidence of attempts by the authorities to hide the scale of the crisis, Mr Alexander told the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi, that he had reconsidered. “In light of our continued concerns, I said I was now not prepared to make a multi-annual commitment,” Mr Alexander said.
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My Comment: Hunger has always been one of the main ingredients for instability and war. Ethiopia is providing this ingredient in spades.