The Weeknd Donates $1 Million to the United Nations World Food Program to Feed Those Impacted by Conflict in Ethiopia
The Weeknd recently announced a donation of $1 million to the United Nations World Food Program to provide two million meals to those affected by the growing violence in Ethiopia. As the son of Ethiopian immigrants, The Weeknd felt compelled to help. The singer is using his large platform to spread awareness about the conflict, which isn’t widely known. “My heart breaks for my people of Ethiopia,” he shared on social media.
Conflict in Ethiopia has been occurring for months, but not much has been done to bring awareness to the crisis. There have long been tensions between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government in the capital of Addis Ababa and leaders of Tigray, the northernmost region of Ethiopia.
Back in November, Tigrayans attacked a military base in the village of Sero. Prime Minister Ahmed responded by sending in troops that later bombed the region. Tigrayans then fired missiles into Eritrea, a country that was once part of Ethiopia, and gained independence in 1991.
Leadership in action, thank you @theweeknd! #Tigray #Ethiopia https://t.co/BR2b0Px0Vr
— Leighla Bowers (@leighla_b) April 5, 2021
In 1998 a war broke out between the two nations that ended with 100,000 lives lost. Both countries were enemies until 2019 when Ahmed helped reach peace with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerk, an effort that won him a Nobel Peace Prize that year. Afwerki is said to now be aiding Ahmed in the current fight against the Tigrayans.
A huge thank you to @theweeknd for donating $1 million to United Nations World Food Program to help out those starving in Tigray. His selflessness will go a long way. #Ethiopia #Eritrea #Tigray #Amhara #EritreantroopsoutOfTigray #TigrayCantWait #StopAmharaGenocide https://t.co/75HSxwAzS2
— Berhe Art – Muse Berhe ✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 (@berhe_art) April 5, 2021
Since the November attack, there has been nonstop violence in Tigray that has killed thousands of Ethiopians. Many others have fled, seeking refuge in neighboring Sudan. As a result of the conflict, thousands have been displaced and are on the verge of starvation, which prompted The Weeknd to give his donation.
Proud of @theweeknd an ethnic Amhara-Canadian Artist who has donated 1 million dollars to help the people of #Tigray #Ethiopia
— ሰላም (@hayatzehabesha) April 5, 2021
Within the past year, the Toronto-born singer has given to several causes, including Black Lives Matter and COVID-19 relief. He also partnered with Postmates to help deliver meals to frontline healthcare workers ahead of the Super Bowl.
With the current conditions in Ethiopia, there’s no telling when the fighting will end. Hopefully, The Weeknd’s choice to speak on the Tigray conflicts will bring awareness to a devastating humanitarian issue and allow Ethiopians to receive the help and resources they need. Visit the World Food Program’s site to learn more about their efforts and make a donation.
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