The Silent Betrayal: Exposing Tigray’s Criminal Leadership and Illegal Gold Mining Exploitations

[By Tigray Media Watch Digital Intelligence Monitoring Group, Mekelle, Tigray]

A Call for Justice and Accountability

Tigray, a land scarred by immense suffering and genocide, now faces a new wave of betrayal—this time orchestrated by its own leadership. Disturbing reports of illegal gold mining operations in the northwest zone of Tigray have uncovered a coordinated criminal network led by high-ranking Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) generals and corrupt political elites. These unlawful activities have caused catastrophic human and environmental damage, deepening the despair of an already war-torn region.

To compound the tragedy, journalists from Tigray TV who dared to expose these crimes were abducted, silenced, and threatened. These oppressive tactics underscore the authoritarian grip used to suppress truth and accountability. The people of Tigray demand answers, justice, and immediate action against the perpetrators of these crimes.

The Crimes: Illegal Gold Mining and Environmental Devastation

Source: Tigray TV, Illegal gold mining and the use of banned chemicals in Tigray

The illegal gold mining in northwest Tigray has become a focal point of exploitation using banned chemicals and creating a new frontier for corruption and human rights violations by the irresponsible individuals supposed to be protecting their own people from any harm. Motivated by greed and power, these operations enrich the privileged few while displacing thousands of people and leaving complete destruction to the environment, human and animal health in their wake.

1. Human Impact

• Local communities have been forcibly displaced, leaving families without homes or livelihoods, exposing them to starvation and death.
• Women and children have faced exploitation, forced labour, and exposure to banned toxic chemicals used in mining processes, which are harmful to human health.
• Livestock and agricultural lands have been devastated by the banned chemicals, threatening food security and worsening economic instability.

2. Environmental Impact

• Rivers and water sources have been contaminated with mercury and cyanide, causing irreversible damage to ecosystems.
• Agricultural lands have been destroyed, aggravating famine and economic collapse in an already fragile region.

3. Security Collapse and Impunity

• The northwest zone of Tigray has become a lawless territory where criminal syndicates operate with impunity under military protection.
• Smuggling networks thrive, empowering corrupt officials while leaving civilians vulnerable violence and exploitation.

Naming the Betrayers and Criminals Who Must Face Justice

The following individuals, entrusted with the protection of Tigray and its people, are implicated in these crimes and must be held accountable:

1. General Megebey Haile (as known as Zarty (ዛርቲ) enables illegal gold mining operations, human trafficking, and environmental destruction while overseeing security operations in the northwest zone. Associate Colonel Tewlede Gebretensaie (Army Intelligence Officer) facilitates criminal activities and shields perpetrators.
2. General Tadese Werede: As head of Tigray’s security apparatus, he has failed to protect civilians and journalists, instead leveraging military resources to cover up criminal enterprises.
3. General Feseha Kidanu (as known as Feseha Mangus) collaborates with corrupt elites in smuggling networks, profiting from illegal mining operations while worsening Tigray’s security and the demise of economic collapse.
4. Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael, Chairman of the TPLF Splinter Groups, provides political protection for his criminal networks within the TPLF and the generals involved in illegal gold mining operations, smuggling,  and human trafficking networks, betraying the sacrifices of TDF members and the aspirations of Tigray’s people.

The leaders listed above not only failed in their duty to safeguard Tigray but also actively contributed to its economic exploitation, environmental destruction, and suppression of free press. This betrayal has led many to view their actions as homegrown perpetrators of genocide in Tigray.

The Kidnapping of Tigray TV Journalists is an Attack on Truth

The abduction of journalists who sought to uncover the illegal gold mining scandal marks a sinister escalation in efforts to suppress free speech. This attack demonstrates the desperation of corrupt officials to silence dissent and evade accountability.

The kidnapping serves as both a warning and a rallying cry for the people of Tigray:

• Defend Press Freedom: Demand the immediate release of all detained journalists.
• Expose Corruption: Reveal the truth and confront the criminal networks seeking to exploit Tigray’s resources.

Urgent Demands and Recommendations

1. Immediate Removal of These Corrupt Officials:

• The Tigray Interim Government must immediately dismiss General Megebey Haile, General Tadesse Werede, and General Feseha Kidanu (a.k.a. Feseha Magnus). Full criminal investigations need to be done to bring them to justice.

2. Public Mobilisation Against Corruption:

• Tigray’s youth must organise peaceful demonstrations, advocacy campaigns, and social mobilisations to demand justice and accountability.

3. Accountability Through Legal Action:

• International human rights organisations and courts must prosecute those responsible for environmental destruction, human rights violations, and economic exploitation.

4. Restoration of Territorial Integrity and IDP Return:

• The return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and restoration of territorial sovereignty must be prioritised to rebuild stability and prosperity.

5. Protection of Investigators and Journalists:

• Immediate measures must be taken to guarantee the safety of whistleblowers and journalists exposing these crimes, with international oversight ensuring their protection.

Conclusion: Justice Will Prevail

The betrayal of Tigrayan people by their own leaders represents one of the darkest chapters in Tigray’s history—but it will not define the future. Through unity, vigilance, and courage, Tigrayans will reclaim their destiny and ensure justice prevails.

Tigray Media Watch will continue its investigations and expose all those responsible—regardless of rank or influence. The people of Tigray deserve nothing less than justice, peace, and sovereignty.

 

---

Tigray Media Watch: Advocates for Justice and Accountability

Who We Are:

• Tigray Media Watch is a global coalition of professionals committed to protecting Tigray’s national interests through intelligence gathering, investigative journalism, and advocacy.

Our Expertise Includes:

• ICT Experts—Specialists in digital surveillance and cybersecurity.
• Intelligence Analysts—Experts in security and military strategy.
• Human Rights Lawyers—Advocates for justice and accountability.
• Geopolitical Strategists—analysts focused on safeguarding Tigray’s sovereignty.

Our Mission:

• Unmask Corruption: Expose criminal networks operating in Tigray.
• Preserve National Security: Strengthen sovereignty through intelligence-driven action.
• Protect Human Rights: Hold violators accountable for crimes against humanity.
• Promote Justice: Advocate for judicial processes to restore law and order.

Our Reach:

• With operatives and intelligence teams embedded across Tigray and beyond, we are collecting irrefutable evidence that will soon be revealed to the public.

To the Criminals:

• Your crimes have been documented, and justice is imminent. The people of Tigray, supported by its defenders, will demand your accountability. Prepare to face the full force of the law for your actions.

To the People of Tigray:

• Unite for Accountability: Demand justice through peaceful mobilisation.
• Defend Tigray’s Sovereignty: Reclaim control of your land and resources.
• Restore Integrity: Support leaders who honour TDF’s values and sacrifices. We call upon the Tigray Interim Government to act decisively and rebuild public trust by cleansing the administration of corruption and criminal networks.