Ethiopia: Humanitarian Update, October-November 2025

Highlights:

  • Marburg Virus Disease Outbreak
  • Dry conditions forecast for southern and southeastern Ethiopia
  • Displacement situation along the Somali-Oromia border
  • Response to South Sudanese refugees arriving in Gambela
  • Joint needs assessment in Afar
  • Other developments, including latest Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund allocation, and Rapid Response Mechanisms activations

Marburg Virus Disease Update

The Ministry of Health is leading the response on the confirmed outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease in Jinka Town, South Ethiopia Region, and has activated a full Incident Management System at federal and regional levels. Fourteen confirmed cases and nine deaths have so far been reported.

Response to South Sudanese refugees arriving in Gambela

The government's continued role in providing sanctuary to those fleeing conflict in neighboring countries remains crucial. The Government’s Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) and UNHCR have registered more than 49,000 refugees since July of this year. More than 20,000 of them are hosted in the Luakdong site. Shelter, WASH and education are key priorities.

Displacement situation along the Somali-Oromia border

The Federal Government, together with the Oromia and Somali Regional Governments, continues to coordinate efforts to manage displacement and support affected communities along the shared border.

Joint assessment identifies priority support needs in Afar

An estimated 18,000 people have been displaced in Tonsa, Faro, and Adu kebeles of Megale Woreda following the sudden escalation of armed conflict between factions of Tigrayan forces on 5 November.

Dry conditions forecast for southern and southeastern Ethiopia

The Government of Ethiopia, through the EDRMC and regional administrations, is closely monitoring seasonal rainfall patterns and preparing early, coordinated actions to safeguard livelihoods. Many areas in southern and southeastern regions have received below normal rainfall during the first half of the October and the month of November which may continue in the coming period.