In a stark reminder of Ethiopia's historical struggles with famine, recent videos have emerged depicting the dire conditions faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Tigray. The footage shows emaciated women and children, sparking outrage among Ethiopians who recall the callousness of past regimes, particularly during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie. The videos, which began circulating in December, illustrate the extent of suffering in camps like Hitsats, where basic needs are unmet and the population is at risk of starvation.

The Ethiopian government's response has been marked by denial and blame-shifting, as officials attempt to distance themselves from the crisis rather than confront the systemic issues that have led to this humanitarian disaster. Critics argue that such a reaction is reminiscent of the past, when the ruling elite was seen as detached from the suffering of common citizens. This situation raises pressing questions about the current administration's capacity to effectively address the needs of its most vulnerable populations.

As the international community watches closely, the implications of these videos may provoke not only domestic unrest but also calls for increased humanitarian intervention. The parallels drawn to the 1970s may serve as a catalyst for renewed activism among Ethiopians, who may become galvanized by a desire to prevent history from repeating itself, with demands for accountability and change in the governing structure that allows such suffering to persist.