The United States has officially resumed food aid deliveries to northern Ethiopia, marking a critical step in bolstering humanitarian efforts across Tigray, Amhara, and Afar.
On July 16, 2025, the US government announced in a press release that it has begun delivering lifesaving assistance to 3.1 million people in northern Ethiopia.
This initiative, according to the press release, ensures aid continuity amidst escalating needs through a strategic transition to the Joint Emergency Operations Program (JEOP).
Embassy officials also emphasized that the shift reflects an enhanced—not reduced—commitment, with USD 341 million allocated in 2025 alone to combat food insecurity in the region.
The transition, completed on July 15, integrates 1.2 million additional beneficiaries across 52 districts of woredas into JEOP’s operations, according to the statement.
US Embassy official Tim Stein underscored the move as “deep and ongoing commitment”.
“There is no reduction in US assistance—only a more focused and coordinated way of delivering it. This transition is more than a shift in delivery partners—it reflects our deep and ongoing commitment to stand with the people of Ethiopia,” he said, speaking at the handover ceremony held at Axum Hotel in Mekelle. “JEOP’s scale-up ensures continuity of lifesaving food assistance while allowing WFP to focus where the needs are growing.”
According to US officials, the effort was coordinated with Ethiopia’s government, regional disaster agencies, and the UN-led Food Cluster.
“The handover was made possible through the leadership of the Government of Ethiopia, Tigray Region Disaster Risk Management Commission, and close coordination through the Food Cluster, with the World Food Program (WFP) playing a critical role in guiding the transition,” it reads.
The US remains Ethiopia’s largest humanitarian donor, addressing crises fuelled by conflict, displacement, and drought.
The statement further stated that the funding will support emergency food aid through 2025, with the JEOP and the WFP jointly managing distributions to ensure continued support until the end of the year.
According to USAID’s own audits, the US government temporarily suspended food aid to northern Ethiopia in 2023 after reports of widespread diversion of supplies by armed groups.
In addition, reports later confirmed systemic theft, forcing major donors to overhaul delivery systems. However, the recent resumption follows stricter monitoring protocols, including partnerships with local authorities and real-time tracking under JEOP.
