Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
Ethiopian Athlete Galete Burka Accuses Husband of Property Fraud and Threats to Her Life
In a troubling turn of events, internationally acclaimed Ethiopian middle- and long-distance runner Galete Burka has come forward with serious allegations against her husband, accusing him of fraudulently selling her properties and threatening her safety.
In an emotional interview with the Gemeda Show, Burka, a national sporting icon who has represented Ethiopia for over two decades, revealed that her husband sold the majority of her assets without her consent while she was focused on her athletic career. According to Burka, she had legally entrusted her husband with guardianship over her assets, a decision she now says has left her financially devastated and personally endangered.
“I am afraid he will kill me,” Burka told the interviewer, adding that she has been living in fear and isolation for the past year.
Burka alleges that of the 11 properties—including government-awarded homes and land parcels—originally registered under her name, 10 have either been sold or transferred without her approval. Additionally, she claims to have owned five vehicles, four of which have also been sold without her knowledge.
These revelations come as Burka files for legal redress and appeals directly to Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, asking for government intervention to restore her rights and ensure her safety. “I want justice,” she stated, expressing a desire to return to her training and athletic life, provided she can do so without fear for her life.
The allegations have sparked widespread public concern and drawn the attention of international organizations. The World Athletes Organization has announced the launch of #SafeGuard, a new initiative aimed at protecting female athletes from domestic violence, financial exploitation, and legal abuse.
Neighboring Kenya has already taken proactive steps toward safeguarding its athletes, prompting scrutiny of Ethiopia’s current support systems for athletes—particularly women—who may be vulnerable to abuse or manipulation in their private lives.
Social media campaigns such as #JusticeForGalete have also gained momentum, with calls for accountability and action from Ethiopian sports authorities and legal institutions.
Burka’s case highlights a broader issue of exploitation and abuse that female athletes often face behind closed doors, and it has ignited conversations around the need for stronger legal and institutional protections in the country.
As the case unfolds, many are watching closely to see how Ethiopian authorities and the international sporting community respond to Burka’s appeal for justice.
