Ethiopia: A personal account on helping affected communities in Oromia

“I recall the first time we helped displaced communities from seven villages, in an area called Mana Sibu, in West Wellega. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the crowd collecting their sheeting, blankets and solar lamps, I saw a frail old man barely able to walk, who patiently queued up to receive his items. Wearing his tattered brown suit from the Sunday Church, he sat down on his large jute bag after managing to carry the items away from the crowd. Then he smiled and waved at his five children to come and share the joy – the joy of not having to spend yet another rainy season in the cold weather. The sight of the frail man sheltering his five children in his arms brought tears to my eyes. My colleague and I exchanged glances and, at once, realized that this was precisely the reason why we do what we do. In that split second, all the strenuous periods of planning, logistical challenges, security risks and uncertainties made absolute sense.

West Wellega is one of the biggest administrative districts of Oromia. It was once known for its rich resources, fertile farmlands and thriving markets. But things have changed. People have been repeatedly displaced due to the security situation: they leave behind their homes, possessions and dreams. The ongoing fighting hasn’t spared schools, water points, health facilities or religious institutions; all have been significantly damaged or even destroyed. The ICRC is the only organization operating in some of these hard-hit areas. This brings an immense sense of responsibility, together with challenges to manage the expectations of the affected communities.