Michael Dunford, regional head of the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP), said that some trucks had entered Tigray but it was essential that more convoys “move and that they move now”. The WFP is negotiating with regional authorities for the safe passage of a third convoy, he said.

It is estimated that around 90 per cent of Tigray’s population needs humanitarian assistance. However, it is unclear what is still blocking aid from reaching the region where millions are at risk of famine and malnutrition.

The government insists that it has given the green light to allow aid trucks to enter Tigray. Experts have said that ongoing delays may be caused by regional Amhara authorities who are locked in disagreement with Tigray over disputed land, claiming that some parts of the Amhara region were annexed by Tigray in the 1990s.

Added to political issues, Ethiopia is also suffering from increased fuel and commodity prices partly caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“There are limited supplies, fuel and cash in the country,” said Catherine Harris, Caritas Australia’s Humanitarian Coordinator.

“This means that even when humanitarian workers can find enough wheat flour or shelter supplies in the quantities needed in the region, they might not be able to source the fuel necessary to transport these supplies the distances needed”.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security