Investigative Report
[By Tigray Media Watch—Digital Intelligence Monitoring Group, Undercover Investigation Team, Mekelle, Tigray]
Overview of the Betrayal and the Security Failures
General Tadesse Werede, Vice President of the Tigray Interim Government and head of the security apparatus, has demonstrated a catastrophic failure in fulfilling his responsibilities to ensure the security and stability of Tigray. Despite occupying one of the highest offices tasked with overseeing peace and order, his actions have exacerbated instability, suffering, and insecurity in the region.
It is both ironic and tragic that a leader entrusted with safeguarding Tigray has instead betrayed that trust by conspiring against the very government he swore to protect. Evidence reveals his collusion with the failed Debretsion Gebremichael led TPLF splinter group to oust the current president, Getachew Reda, in exchange for personal gain—a coveted presidential position.
This act of treachery ranks among the gravest betrayals in Tigray’s history, undermining regional stability and sacrificing the lives of innocent civilians for selfish ambition.
Broken Promises and Failed Commitments
1. The Unfulfilled Promises to Return Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs):
- The June 30, 2024, deadline for the safe return of displaced persons remains unmet.
- Thousands of IDPs continue to languish in deteriorating conditions, facing hunger, disease, and death—they have become victims of General Tadesse’s failure to act for their return decisively and responsibly.
2. Failed to Restore Territorial Integrity of Tigray:
- Significant portions of Tigrayan territory remain under Amhara and foreign occupations.
- General Tadesse has failed to initiate efforts to reclaim these territories, leaving Tigray vulnerable and exposed.
- Rather than prioritising sovereignty and security, he has pursued personal enrichment, further jeopardising Tigray’s future.
Financial Corruption and Criminal Activities
Investigations conducted by Tigray Media Watch’s undercover digital intelligence teams have uncovered compelling evidence of corruption, unethical conduct, and abuse of power:
- General Tadesse Werede has secured loans exceeding 300 million Ethiopian birr through Oromia and Federal Government institutions.
- He owns multiple properties in Tigray and Addis Ababa, including residences in Mekelle and Aksum, acquired illegally through abuse of authority and influence.
- In collaboration with General Megebey Haile, he exploited government resources to acquire properties without formal lease agreements, perpetuating corruption and impunity.
Moral and Ethical Failures
At over 70 years old, General Tadesse has been implicated in multiple sexual abuse scandals, including allegations involving a former Tigray TV presenter—an individual young enough to be his granddaughter.
These disgraceful acts highlight a complete lack of moral integrity and ethical responsibility, rendering him unfit to lead during this critical period of recovery and. reconstruction.
Call for Immediate Action
The people of Tigray stand at a pivotal moment. Bold and decisive action is required to address these failures to restore accountability.
1. Demand for Resignation and Accountability:
- General Tadesse Werede must step down immediately as Vice President and Head of Security.
- He must face legal prosecution for crimes including corruption, abuse of power, and conspiracy against the government.
2. Peaceful Transition of Power:
- Tigray must initiate a peaceful and democratic transition to morally responsible leaders committed to serving the people and rebuilding Tigray.
3. Restoration of Territorial Integrity and the Protection of IDPs:
- Urgent measures must be taken to reclaim occupied territories.
- Concrete plans must be implemented to ensure the safe return of IDPs without further delays.
- Failure to act decisively will invite severe consequences, as public patience has already reached its breaking point.
We, Tigray Media Watch, possess irrefutable evidence about General Tadesse’s misconduct and are prepared to expose the full extent of your actions to the people of Tigray and the international community.
No one is above the law. Justice will prevail against those who continue to sabotage Tigray’s future.
Demand for Justice and Accountability
This report serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Tigrayan people.
We categorically oppose and reject corruption, betrayal, and incompetence. We demand accountability, justice, and reform. The future of Tigray belongs to its younger generation, and we will not permit power-hungry elites to rob Tigray’s resources and the people’s rightful rights, peace, security in rebuilding a stronger and more prosperous Tigray.
Media Suppression and Disinformation: The Growing Threat to Democracy and Survival
Our work faces increasing challenges from:
- Billionaire-owned media outlets dominating the narrative to conceal illegal mining exploitations, corruption and atrocities.
- Corrupt actors linked to TPLF leadership are spreading disinformation online to fuel division and incite violence in Tigray.
- Lobby groups with opaque funding attempting to discredit legitimate demand for justice and investigations into illegal gold mining and other criminal activities.This authoritarian approach undermines press freedom, human rights, and the inclusive representation of Tigray’s diverse voices.
A Call for Action to Empower the People of Tigray
We stand strong because of you—the people of Tigray.
Your support is the foundation of our work. We urge you to continue backing investigative journalism and digital intelligence monitoring to expose corruption and ensure justice. Together, we can reclaim Tigray’s dignity and rebuild a future based on integrity, accountability, and prosperity.