R&B crooner The Weeknd isn’t blind to the humanitarian conflict facing Ethiopia.
Hence, the $1 million donation The Blinding Lights star gave to United Nations World Food Programme to provide 2 million meals to vulnerable Ethiopians.
My heart breaks for my people of Ethiopia as innocent civilians ranging from small children to the elderly are being senselessly murdered and entire villages are being displaced out of fear and destruction, The Weeknd writes on Instagram page. I will be donating $1 million to provide 2 million meals through the United Nations World Food Programme and encourage those who can to please give as well.
The Weeknd hails from Canada and his parents are from Ethiopia. He told Rolling Stone that his voice is inspired by Ethiopian singer Aster Aweke.
And boy do they need it.
Ethiopia is on the verge of a civil war.
It all started in November, when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent the military to a political party—Tigray People’s Liberation Front’s (TPLF)—-territory because he accused them of attacking a military base.
What a mess!!
TPLF was the ruling party in the area of Ethiopia until Prime Minister Ahmed expanded the current government’s control.
Meanwhile, the infighting has resulted in two million people fleeing Ethiopia and 4.5 million people needing emergency food assistance, according to BBC News.
So The Weeknd’s donation can go a long way.
“[The Weeknd’s donation] will provide lifesaving food to those affected by conflict in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray Region” World Food Programme said in a statement.
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