Ethiopian Government, on Saturday, announced $90 million allocation for restoration of banking services in war-torn Tigray region, starting with funds sent to capital city, Mekelle.
The announcement of the $90million by the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came after the meeting with leaders of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) rebel group.
The meeting between PM Abiy and TPLF leaders is viewed as a positive step towards resolving the conflict and restoring peace in the region.
Ahmed’s national security adviser Redwan Hussein posted on his Twitter Page that” As per the decision passed by PM Abiy, National Bank has begun sending five billion Birr to Mekele to be dispensed starting Monday,”
Redwan confirmed that as of Saturday there was an increase in Ethiopian Airlines flights to Tigray region, up to 5 daily flights from 3.
Abiy holds first in-person meeting with TPLF leaders since peace deal in November to end 2-year conflict in northern Ethiopia. Under the agreement, TPLF committed to disarmament and restoring federal government control in exchange for restored access to Tigray. Following the deal, aid deliveries to the region have resumed after facing severe shortages of food, fuel, cash, and medicines.
The war has caused the displacement of over 2 million people and has left millions in need of aid, with an estimated death toll of 500,000 according to the US.
