Abiy Ahmed’s urgent quest for weaponry is underscored by the troubling reality that he is resorting to food exports, even as his own population faces severe hunger and deprivation
A troubling aspect of the actions taken by the Abiy Ahmed administration is the reported use of Ethiopia’s food exports—an essential resource for addressing domestic hunger and malnutrition—as a means to finance the acquisition of weapons. This practice raises significant ethical concerns, particularly given the dire circumstances faced by many Ethiopians who are struggling to secure adequate nutrition.
This scenario underscores a notable contradiction in Abiy’s governance. Ethiopia, recognized as one of the poorest nations in the world, has a substantial portion of its population dealing with food insecurity. Nevertheless, the government continues to export large quantities of agricultural products, including coffee, teff, and cereals. While these exports are crucial for the global market, their allocation towards funding a costly and extended conflict raises profound moral dilemmas, especially in the context of the ongoing food crisis within the country.
The Ethiopian government, under Abiy’s leadership, has faced mounting criticism for its choice to prioritize military spending over humanitarian aid. This approach not only exacerbates the challenges faced by the population but also threatens the stability of the region. As food prices soar in Ethiopia, millions are at risk of starvation, a situation that is further complicated by ongoing conflicts, displacement, and the impacts of climate change.
Ethiopia sends refrigerated veg to Europe for first time
Ethiopian trader Ethio Vegfru has launched shipments of sugar snap peas and mangetout to the Dutch market via a container equipped with modern refrigeration
The Ethiopian ministry of agriculture has announced the launch of its first ever shipment of refrigerated fruits and vegetables to the European market, according to a report from the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA).
Ethiopian importer and exporter Ethio Vegfru reportedly launched shipments of sugar snap peas and mangetout to the Netherlands, in the presence of state minister of agriculture Sofia Kassa.
Ideal climatic conditions enable Ethiopian growers to produce various vegetables all year round, as well as fruits including mangoes, grapes and oranges.
According to Tsegaye Abebe, managing director and founder of Ethio Vegfru, 12 tonnes of sugar snap peas and mangetout will be loaded at Koka before being delivered to the port of Djibouti, using a container equipped with modern refrigeration and the latest technology.
The produce will be transported to the Netherlands via the Ethio-Djibouti transport corridor within 23 days, marking a milestone in the development of a cool logistics corridor for the export of perishables via seafreight from the Port of Djibouti.
Abebe stressed Ethiopia’s potential for growth in various export markets, highlighting the need for increased efficiency and further investments, with the use of seafreight considered a sensible move for the penetration of new global markets.
I don’t know what this article is all about. I really don’t. Some resourceful individual comes in, takes a fallow land, develop it into a high yielding farm and then generate a desperately needed foreign currency? What is wrong with that? There are ship loads of exports of livestocks, coffee, oilseeds, flowers, textiles, fresh, canned fruits and vegetables. What is wrong with that? The effforts of such countrymen should always be commended and encouraged. This patriot is not the one that led the people to go hungry.
It is those damned bigots and connivers who are responsible by starting and waging stupid and destructive wars. All leaders of the fighting factions both of the regime and those so-called rebel leaders in Amhara and Oromia regions bear the sole responsibility for the chaos and disruptions of everyday life that led to destitution and starvation. Obbo Tsegaye did not summon the youth to go to stupid wars but he instead he created wage paying jobs for them. He made their lives purposeful. He should be regarded a hero.
Bravo, bravo, Obbo Tsegaye bin Abebe! Bravo!!!