Long-Term Goals
Once enough funds are allocated, mission trips can be led to create food and aid distribution centers in Sudan’s refugee camps and in Tigray at internally displaced people (IDP) camps. These collaborations can be distributed with Omna Tigray, Tigray Emergency Relief Fund, and many other nonprofit organizations.
Bitcoin can also fuel the economy for Tigrayans in Ethiopia, refugee camps and within the diaspora. There is an alarming issue with banking in Tigray since the war began — the Ethiopian government has shut down all federal banks in the region . Alongside lack of electricity and internet services, citizens of Tigray are left to use black market distributions of cash being sent via Sudan. Wire transfers and all means of sending money have been blocked off, which is one of the main reasons why Bitcoin can provide access to the people.
The education system in Tigray has also been destroyed as primary schools and universities are now used to house IDPs; millions of students have stopped attending school for the last 18 months. Bitcoiners can donate books, computers, pencils and other supplies to refugees in Sudan to kickstart education in refugee camps as well as using offline education services such as Internet-in-a-Box . The Internet-in-a-Box is a device that allows users to download content and upload onto multiple computers, tablets and smartphones with no internet required. Devices like these are needed in the thousands alongside the equipment needed for students to use.
Overall, the use of Bitcoin to help end this crisis will not only force the diaspora to educate themselves on how to use Bitcoin, but will fuel other nations and states to do the same in the Horn of Africa. With bitcoin being adopted in various other countries in Africa, the situation in Tigray is a matter of do or die as families all around the world have struggled to send aid to their loved ones. As the Bitcoin community thrives on maintaining decentralization, it would be great to provide aid to millions of people struggling, especially since the international community has failed those in Tigray. Thirty years ago, USA for Africa teamed up with Michael Jackson and various other artists to sing, “We Are the World ,” to aid those suffering drought in Ethiopia. Unfortunately, there was a war similar to what is currently occurring today that led to Tigray being blocked off from humanitarian aid. We must recreate these actions to end the current man-made famine and save lives, as well as helping those in need across the Horn of Africa. In the words of the late Michael Jackson, “There’s a choice we’re making. We’re saving our own lives. It’s true, we’ll make a better day, just you and me.”
This is a guest post by Michael Abraha. Opinions expressed are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.