Addis Ababa: The UN’s new humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths is due to hold a press briefing after a 2-day visit to Ethiopia’s war-torn northern Tigray region (Reuters.)

Around 5.2-million people need humanitarian aid, the UN says, following more than eight months of fighting.

Hundreds of thousands face famine.

The UN has been struggling to get access, thanks largely to government forces.

Martin Griffiths, the UN’s new undersecretary of humanitarian affairs, began a 6-day visit to Ethiopia on July 29 to meet civilians and aid workers.

Griffiths is also to visit other regions affected by violence and drought, including the Benishangul-Gumuz, Afar, Somali and Oromia regions.

Griffiths’ visit coincides with a visit by USAID Administrator Samantha Power (in Sudan and Ethiopia July 31-AUG 4).

She’s seeking aid’s access and is hoping to meet Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Washington has signalled punitive measures if access remains hindered.