Date: 27 December 2024:
To:
H.E. Getachew Reda, President of the Tigray Interim Government
Mr. Beyene Mikru, CEO of the Endowment Fund for the Rehabilitation of Tigray (EFFORT)
Board of Trustees, EFFORT
Cabinet Members of the Tigray Interim Government
Subject: Condemnation of Unjust Suspensions, Demand for Fair Treatment, Independent Investigation into Corruption, and Immediate Restoration of MIE Employees’ Rights
Dear President Getachew Reda, CEO Beyene Mikru, and Respected Members of the EFFORT Board of Trustees and Tigray Interim Government Cabinet,
We, Tigrayan Advocacy for Human Rights and Justice in Europe, write to you today with grave concern and profound disappointment over the recent suspension of more than 250 employees of Mesfin Industrial Engineering (MIE) P.L.C.—a decision we unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms. This unlawful and unjustified action not only violates fundamental labour rights but also undermines the very principles of fairness, justice, and accountability that must guide the post-genocide recovery of Tigray.
The suspended employees, who have served with unwavering dedication—including during the genocidal war that devastated Tigray—deserve recognition and appreciation, not punishment and suppression. Instead, they are facing retaliation for exercising their universal rights—demanding fair pay, fair treatment, and exposing systematic corruption and mismanagement within the company.
This authoritarian measure is an attack on freedom of speech, peaceful protest, and the right to demand accountability—core pillars of democracy and good governance. The employees’ voices must not be silenced, and their demands must be heard with urgency and sincerity.
Violation of Basic Rights and the Rule of Law
We firmly assert that these actions constitute a violation of international labour laws and universal human rights. The employees exercised their right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression to highlight serious issues, including corruption and administrative failures within MIE. Instead of addressing their concerns, the management resorted to punitive actions that are unlawful, unjustifiable, and damaging to both the workers and the company’s reputation.
Urgent Call for Action and Immediate Reinstatement
We urge the leadership of EFFORT, the Tigray Interim Government, and relevant authorities to:
- Immediately reinstate all suspended employees without any preconditions.
- Establish an independent investigation into the allegations of corruption and mismanagement within MIE and broader EFFORT-affiliated companies, including Ezana Mining and its dealings with a Canadian firm.
- Hold accountable those responsible for any corruption, mismanagement, or abuse of power uncovered during the investigation.
- Ensure the rights of employees are protected, and their grievances are addressed through dialogue, fairness, and transparency rather than intimidation and punitive actions.
- Implement structural reforms to restore trust and confidence in EFFORT and its subsidiaries, ensuring proper governance and compliance with national and international labour standards.
Consequences of Ignoring Employee Rights and the Damage to Reputation
We must highlight that the continued suppression of employees and the failure to address corruption allegations will have far-reaching ramifications:
The image of EFFORT and its subsidiaries, including MIE and Ezana Mining, will suffer significant harm both domestically and internationally. Public perception matters, and continued hostility toward employees will erode trust, investor confidence, and social acceptance.
Regulatory Scrutiny
Repeated violations of labour rights risk attracting regulatory sanctions and legal actions at the national and international levels, potentially affecting the operational stability and financial standing of the companies.
Humanitarian and Economic Impact: The suspension of hundreds of employees in a region struggling to recover from genocide sends a deeply troubling message, jeopardising economic recovery and exacerbating social instability.
Reward, Not Punishment, and Recognise Employees’ Sacrifices
The employees of MIE stood by their company and community during the genocidal war, contributing their skills and labour under extraordinarily difficult conditions. Their sacrifices deserve recognition, rewards, and improved working conditions, not punitive measures. Instead of being suspended, these workers should be valued as essential contributors to the region’s recovery and economic revitalisation.
We are closely monitoring this situation and have raised the matter with international labour unions, human rights, and global advocacy groups to ensure that the employees’ rights are protected. We will continue to advocate for their cause and push for intervention if immediate steps are not taken to resolve this crisis.
Final Appeal for Resolution and Accountability
We strongly appeal to President Getachew Reda to intervene as the head of the Tigray Interim Government to uphold justice, restore the employees, and ensure accountability for corruption.
CEO Beyene Mikru and the EFFORT Board of Trustees must commit to a transparent process to resolve employee grievances, investigate corruption, and rebuild trust in your leadership and institutions.
Cabinet members must support resolving and safeguarding the workers’ rights, promote ethical governance, and foster inclusive economic recovery in Tigray.
Failure to act swiftly will not only deepen mistrust but also endanger the stability of EFFORT-affiliated companies, further delaying Tigray’s recovery efforts. We emphasise the urgency of this matter and demand concrete actions without delay.
We Stand in Solidarity with MIE
We stand in full solidarity with the suspended employees of MIE and will continue to amplify their voices until justice prevails. The time to act is NOW—to restore trust, uphold rights, and demonstrate true leadership in the face of adversity.
Sincerely,
Tigrayan Advocacy for Human Rights and Justice in Europe