Exposing the Shadows Behind Tigray’s Exploitation An Investigative Report

Tigray Herald፡November 30,2024 (Mekele)

The critical and fundamental questions that need to be answered?

Exposing the Shadows Behind Tigray’s Exploitation An Investigative Report by Tigray Media Watch (TMW) Digital Intelligence Monitoring Group
Part of the Counter-Intelligence Team Inside Tigray

Introduction: A Nation Betrayed from Within
Post-genocide Tigray stands on the edge of a precipice. While its people work tirelessly to recover from unimaginable atrocities, a new and insidious threat emerges—the illegal exploitation of Tigray’s natural resources. This systematic plunder, orchestrated by shadowy entities, is draining the region of its wealth, devastating its environment, displacing its communities, and threatening its very existence. This is not merely exploitation—it is a silent genocide.

The Silent Genocide: Unmasking Tigray’s “Shadow Ghosts”
At the heart of this exploitation is a covert network of elites—known locally as Zartey (Tigrinya for “Shadow Ghosts”). Protected by military and political authority, these individuals trade Tigray’s survival for personal gain, operating with absolute impunity.

Key Players: The “Ghost Lords”
This clandestine network includes high-ranking military commanders and political figures whose betrayal has deepened Tigray’s suffering:

Military Commanders:

General Megebe Haile: Western Tigray Frontier Army Division
General Workie Eyenu
General Zeneb
General Masho Beyene: Eastern Tigray Frontier
General Henesa Woledgeiorgise: 60th Army Division, Central Tigray Zones
Colonel Tewlede Gebretensae: Former TDF Intelligence Officer, linked to human trafficking
Political Figures:

Debretsion Gebremichael: TPLF splinter group leader
Fetelework Geberegziabher
Aleme Gebrewahed
Getachew Asefa
Tekelay Gebremedhen
Unprecedented Devastation: Environmental and Social Impacts
The illegal gold mining operations in Adiet and Zana (Tembien District) have led to catastrophic consequences:

Environmental Destruction: Poisoned rivers, decimated forests, and infertile agricultural lands.
Community Displacement: Entire villages uprooted, leaving families homeless and vulnerable.
Social Fragmentation: Escalating poverty, exploitation of labor (including children), and societal disintegration.
Critical Questions for the “Ghost Lords”
These powerful and Urgent questions demand answers from those responsible for Tigray’s exploitation:

1. “The Guardians Who Betrayed Their Oaths”
   Why did you allow these heinous crimes to occur under your watch?
   If you claim innocence, why did you fail to stop these operations?
2. “Gold Over People: A Question of Priorities”
   Is gold mining more critical than reclaiming the 40% of Tigray under occupation?
   Why prioritize illegal mining over addressing the displacement of 1.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs)?
3. “Protectors or Perpetrators?”
   Why are you sending troops to terrorize communities in Adiet and Zana for resisting illegal mining?
   How can you justify imposing road blockades in Tembien Abergel for TPLF’s political interests?
4. “The Silence of the Guilty”
   Why have you not publicly defended yourself against these allegations?
   Does your silence signify an admission of guilt?
5. “The Cost of Neglect”
   Why have you failed to investigate crimes such as the destruction of water pumps and the theft of metal scrap?
   What is your response to the unchecked sexual violence against women in Tigray?
6. “Priorities Misaligned: Building Towers Amid Ruins”
   Why invest in new infrastructure projects while TDF veterans lack basic medical support?
7. “Failing Heroes, Betraying Sacrifices”
   Why have you neglected the families and medical needs of TDF heroes who sacrificed everything for Tigray?
8. “Tigray’s Future: Where is the Strategic Vision?”
   What structured plan do you have for Tigray’s future security and development?
   Why have you ignored experienced leaders like General Tsadkan, whose wisdom could guide Tigray to recovery?
9. “Will the Shadows Fade?”
   Will you immediately halt the illegal mining and its devastating impacts?
   If not, how do you justify continuing this betrayal of Tigray?
   Dynamic Assessment: Geopolitical Implications for the Horn of Africa
   Tigray’s illegal gold mining operations are more than a regional issue; they destabilize the entire Horn of Africa by strengthening illicit networks that fuel conflict and weaken regional security. This crisis affects:

Tigray’s Fragile Stability: Exacerbating tensions with the federal government and undermining recovery.
International Relations: Funding shadow economies, tarnishing Tigray’s global reputation.
Environmental Crisis: Destruction spilling into neighboring regions reliant on shared resources.
Conclusion: A Call to Accountability
The illegal mining operations in Tigray represent the ultimate betrayal of a people striving for survival. These “Ghost Lords” must be held accountable. Their actions threaten not only Tigray’s recovery but its very existence.

The time for silence is over. The people of Tigray, the interim government, and the international community must unite to demand answers and justice. Tigray’s future depends on it.

Prepared by Tigray Media Watch Digital Intelligence Monitoring Group
Unveiling the Shadows, Fighting for Tigray’s Future