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Two Swedish Parliament members Address about Ethiopia Humanitarian Crisis to Swedish Parliament

On January 23, 2025, Alexandra Völker, a member of Sweden’s Social Democratic Party, was joined by Jacob Risberg, a member of the Green Party brought critical attention to Ethiopia’s deteriorating humanitarian situation during a parliamentary session. Addressing Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, Völker emphasized the urgency of Sweden’s engagement in Ethiopia, where ongoing violence and humanitarian crises continue to devastate millions.

The Situation in Ethiopia

Völker highlighted the plight of the Amhara region, which has recently witnessed deadly drone attacks targeting civilians. These attacks have compounded the suffering in a region already grappling with instability and economic hardship. She also noted that over 4 million students in Ethiopia are unable to attend school due to the ongoing conflict and displacement, threatening the future of an entire generation. Beyond these immediate concerns, Ethiopia faces a wider humanitarian emergency, with millions displaced, food insecurity rampant, and access to healthcare severely limited.

Völker’s Questions to the Minister

In light of these challenges, Völker posed two critical questions to Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard:

  1. What political initiatives does the Minister see as possible to ensure peace and security for the civilian population in Ethiopia, especially in the Amhara region?
  2. What initiatives does Sweden intend to take to promote the peace process in Ethiopia?

Serving Member of Parliament Jacob Risberg from Parti Miljöpartiet also address the situation about Ethiopian crisis

Risberg called for urgent action to address the humanitarian needs in Ethiopia. He urged the Swedish government to increase its support for international aid organizations working on the ground, emphasizing the importance of delivering food, medical supplies, and other essential resources to affected populations.

Maria Malmer Stenergard responded by reaffirming Sweden’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian and political crises in Ethiopia. She outlined Sweden’s multi-faceted approach, which includes both immediate and long-term strategies:

The Minister emphasized Sweden’s diplomatic efforts in collaboration with the European Union, African Union, and other international partners to promote inclusive dialogue in Ethiopia.

The ongoing violence in the Amhara region, including drone strikes targeting civilians, was a focal point of Völker’s intervention. She called on the Swedish government to take a firm stance against such actions, which violate international humanitarian law, and to advocate for accountability at international forums.

This move does more than just raise awareness; it challenges the international community to act. Sweden, known for its commitment to human rights and peacebuilding, is well-positioned to lead diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives that can inspire broader global engagement. By addressing these issues at the parliamentary level, Völker has effectively ensured that Ethiopia’s crisis remains on the agenda, pushing for concrete measures to alleviate suffering and foster peace.

Such actions can pave the way for increased international dialogue, aid, and pressure on conflicting parties to commit to a sustainable resolution. This is not just a gesture of solidarity; it is a call to action that underscores the urgency of addressing Ethiopia’s humanitarian and political challenges in a coordinated and impactful manner.

After the session, I had the opportunity to speak with several members of the diaspora who were present. Their reactions were filled with emotion—hope, gratitude, and an urgent plea for more action.

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