The Weeknd donates $1 million to Ethiopia through UN WFP

• The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, is donating $1 million to Ethiopian relief efforts.
• His move was lauded by his fans.
• The New York Times said that a US government report claimed that the conflict intended to remove the ethnic Tigrayan population from Ethiopia, an assertion strongly denied by the Ethiopian government.

The Weeknd will donate $1 million to stop the alleged ‘ethnic cleansing’ in Ethiopia, a place close to his heart.

Although the singer, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, was born and raised in Toronto, Canada after his Ethiopian parents migrated in the ’80s, the cause is personal for him — after all, it’s where his family roots are.

The artist said on his Instagram that he wants to help those entangled in the conflict between the government in Addis Ababa and the Tigray region.

“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 wrote. “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.”

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The New York Times said that a US government report claimed that the conflict intended to remove the ethnic Tigrayan population from Ethiopia, an assertion strongly denied by the Ethiopian government.

Fans commended the artist’s action, with one saying that he is “out here doing what most billionaires and CEO’s of multimillion dollar companies would turn a blind eye to. Respect man, we love you.”

Another supporter added, “[Let’s] just appreciate this man for a second, the fact he takes the time out if his day to do these amazing selfless acts to help out others is what makes me proud to be a fan of him.”

A third comment went, “True King using his platform for good. We need people like you. Prayers for all the innocent Ethiopians and may our part help as much as they need it.”

Source: E Online