SI accuses gov’t of exposing tribes to hunger

Oct. 17 (ESAT News) Survival International (SI) reported that over 200,000 indigenous inhabitants of the Omo Valley that have been displaced due to violent land grab are at risk of starvation and death.

In a report it released Monday, SI pointed out that those vulnerable indigenous groups forcefully displaced by the government as it cleared large swathes of land for investors the tribes have been barred from cultivating their land, leaving thousands of people hungry and ‘waiting to die’.

“As the world prepares to raise awareness of the issues behind poverty and hunger on October 16 (World Food Day), Ethiopia continues to jeopardize the food security and livelihoods of 200,000 of its self-sufficient tribal people,” the report said.

SI alleged that tribes such as the Suri, Mursi, Bodi and Kwegu were being violently evicted from their villages as Ethiopian government is pursuing its lucrative plantations project in the valley.

Stephen Corry, Survival’s Director said:‘”On World Food Day, people need to be aware of Ethiopia’s decision to violently  strip Lower Omo Valley tribes of their self-sustaining way of life.

“These peoples have used their land to cultivate crops and graze cattle to feed their families for generations. This basic right has now been taken from them, in a brutal manner, leaving them hungry and afraid,” Corry said.