Amid efforts to provide aid to millions of people in Tigray, the Ethiopian federal government says commercial drivers of aid trucks are smuggling in banned products. Mitiku Kassa Gutile, commissioner for the Ethiopia Disaster Risk management agency, told VOA, "The drivers of the commercial fleet are taking and allowed supply such as extra fuel with barrels, satellite phones and other materials." Aid agencies have previously raised concern that while the government authorized fuel for humanitarian operations into Tigray, the volume was insufficient and reserves were at low levels. "When the partners have entered the contractual agreement, they have to put additional articles to hinder such type of wrongdoing from the commercial fleet side. So that the commercial fleet owners will take responsibility.

Source: Ethiopian News June 06, 2022 20:47 UTC