Security

Residents Displaced by Conflict and Drought in Wag Hemra Flee to Major Cities

AI SUMMARY

Residents displaced by conflict and severe drought in the Wag Hemra Zone are fleeing to major cities due to a lack of humanitarian aid.

Residents of the Tsagbji and Abergele districts in the Wag Hemra Zone are migrating to Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Dessie, and Gondar.
The displacement is driven by ongoing conflict involving Aden (Agew Shengo) militants and government forces, worsening drought, and a lack of government humanitarian aid.
The areas have been under the control of Aden militants since April 2026.
Fighting between militants and government forces occurred for two days starting September 1st.
Failed summer rains have ruined local harvests and forced school-aged children to drop out and migrate with their families.
Tsagbji district Kebele 06 school principal Zewdu Girmay reported that no students arrived for the start of the 2026/27 academic year.
Militants controlling the districts are imposing mandatory logistical contributions of one goat, 2,000 birr, and five tins of grain per household.
Wag Hemra Zone Disaster Risk and Management Commission official Ato Mihret Melaku had previously stated that 56,000 displaced people from five districts were receiving food aid, but he did not respond to requests for comment regarding the current lack of aid.