World Food Program Resumes Aid to Ethiopia Amid Criticism

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has begun slowly resuming food aid to Ethiopia after a five-month suspension due to the discovery of a massive scheme to steal donated grain. The WFP is testing small-scale distribution in some areas and implementing enhanced controls and measures to ensure food reaches those in need. The suspension has affected 20 million Ethiopians and 800,000 refugees. The United States, the largest humanitarian donor to Ethiopia, will continue its suspension of food aid while negotiating for reforms in the country's aid system. Critics have called the suspension immoral, alleging that hundreds have died of hunger. Donors have recommended removing Ethiopia's government from the aid system, but the WFP works closely with the government at all levels.