Narobi,Pretoria,London, March 6፡2025 (Tigray Herald)
“From Liberation to Exploitation: The Military Leaders Who Betrayed Tigray’s Resources”
Initial Strategic Investigation Report on Illegal Gold Mining Exploitation in Tigray
Conducted by: Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR) Undercover Investigation Team
Submitted to: Tigray Interim Assembly Select Committee
I. Introduction: The Urgency of Addressing Illegal Gold Mining in Tigray
Tigray’s mineral wealth, particularly gold, has become a target of systematic criminal exploitation orchestrated by rogue elements within the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) and the Debretsion Gebremichael-led TPLF splinter group. Instead of serving as a cornerstone for Tigray’s economic recovery, these resources have been siphoned off to fund political sabotage,undermine regional stability, and enrich a corrupt elite.
The Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR) has conducted a comprehensive undercover investigation into these activities, revealing:
The operation of over 30 illegal mining sites under TDF military protection.
Direct involvement of high-ranking military officers and the failde TPLF Debretsion
Gebremichael-led TPLF splinter group leaders
in gold smuggling networks.
Systematic obstruction of justice through a compromised investigation led by General Tadesse Worede, one of the key orchestrators of the crime.
International smuggling routes facilitating the illicit trade of Tigray’s gold to Eritrea, Sudan,
Ethiopia, the UAE, and China.
Political destabilization financed through illicit mining revenues, sustaining anti-government factions and undermining the legitimacy of the Tigray Interim Government.
Despite recent government attempts to address the issue, the current investigation is deeply compromised by conflicts of interest, making an independent inquiry essential for accountability and justice.
II. Key Findings: A Criminal Enterprise Exposed
1. Control and Exploitation of Mining Sites
Over 30 illegal mining sites operate with TDF military protection.
Civilian access is restricted, turning these sites into militarized zones.
Illegal mining is concentrated in Western, Northwestern, and Southern Tigray, strategically positioned for smuggling operations.
📌 Eyewitness Testimony:
“We work under strict orders from TDF officers. If we resist, we are threatened or arrested. The gold we mine never benefits the people—it goes to the pockets of the generals.”
2. Military Leadership Involvement in Gold Smuggling 🚨 Key Figures Identified in Illicit Gold Exploitation Name Role & Criminal Activity General Tadesse Worede Facilitating illegal mining, protecting smuggling networks, obstructing investigations.
General Fisseha Kidanu (Funta) Enabling illicit trade routes and contributing to regional
destabilization.
General Megebe Haile Overseeing mining operations in Tigray’s western front.
General Haileselassie Girmay Managing the transport of gold through illegal channels.
Colonel Tewolde GebretinsaeDirectly controlling local mining sites under military command.
📌 Intelligence reports confirm that military officers are receiving direct financial incentives from illicit gold sales, with funds laundered through Eritrean and Ethiopian intermediaries.
3. Smuggling Routes and International Links
Gold is trafficked via clandestine routes through Eritrea, Sudan, and Ethiopia.
High-value buyers in the UAE and China are major recipients of Tigray’s illicit gold.
Ethiopian federal actors and Eritrean operatives have played roles in smuggling operations.
📌 Confidential financial records indicate that over $250 million in illicit gold profits have been funneled out of Tigray in the past two years.
4. Political Sabotage Financed by Illegal Mining Revenues from illegal mining have been used to fund anti-government factions.
Corrupt officials receive bribes and payoffs to ensure impunity. Smuggled gold finances armed groups resisting the authority of the Tigray Interim Government.
📌 Evidence suggests illicit funds are used to destabilize Tigray’s administration and prevent economic stabilization efforts.
III. The Failure of the Current Investigation Process Despite public outcry, the investigation led by General Tadesse Worede lacks credibility due to:
Conflict of Interest – One of the main perpetrators is leading the inquiry.
Lack of Independent Oversight – Military officials are investigating themselves.
Intimidation of Witnesses – Fear of retaliation prevents testimony.
Suppression of Evidence – Key documents and financial records are being hidden.
📌 If this investigation remains under compromised leadership, it will serve only to protect those responsible rather than deliver justice.
IV. Critical Recommendations: Establishing an Independent Investigation Inquiry
To ensure justice, the Tigray Interim Assembly Select Committee must take decisive action by implementing the following measures:
1. Establish an Independent Investigation Body
✅ Free from military and political influence – No involvement from implicated individuals.
✅ Legally empowered – Must have subpoena authority and financial tracking capabilities.
✅ Led by trusted intellectuals, legal experts, and community leaders – To ensure transparency.
2. Suspend and Investigate All Suspected Officials
✅ Immediate removal of all implicated military and political leaders.
✅ Forensic financial audits of military accounts linked to illegal gold transactions.
✅ Seizure of illicitly acquired assets to recover stolen wealth.
3. Strengthen Anti-Corruption and Mining Regulations
✅ Enforce strict anti-smuggling laws with severe penalties.
✅ Legalize and regulate mining to prevent criminal control.
✅ Introduce corporate governance frameworks for transparent mining operations.
4. Work with International Partners to Cut Off Smuggling Networks
✅ Engage the U.S., EU, and African Union to impose sanctions on individuals involved in
illegal mining.
✅ Cooperate with UN financial watchdogs to track and recover illicit funds.
✅ Demand corporate accountability from international gold buyers to block illegal trade.
V. : A Defining Moment for Tigray’s Future
🚨 If illegal gold mining remains unchecked, Tigray will suffer continued corruption, instability,and economic exploitation.
The Tigray Interim Government, under Getachew Reda’s leadership, must take decisive action to:
Remove corrupt military figures from power.
Ensure independent justice and accountability.Reclaim control over Tigray’s mineral wealth for its people.
📌 Without urgent intervention, illegal mining will continue to fund political sabotage, weaken governance, and deprive Tigray of its rightful economic recovery.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Tigray’s Resources for Its People The illegal gold mining crisis is not just an economic crime; it is a deliberate act of betrayal against the people of Tigray. The involvement of senior military and political figures poses a direct threat to Tigray’s stability and weakens the legitimacy of the Tigray Interim Government.
By appointing General Tadesse Worede to lead the investigation, the administration risks losing credibility and failing to deliver justice. The solution lies in forming a truly independent investigation body, ensuring accountability, legal enforcement, and diplomatic cooperation.
🚨 If General Tadesse Worede remains in charge of this investigation, it will be a sham.
🔹 The time for action is now. The Tigray Interim Assembly must demonstrate political courage and end impunity for those exploiting the nation’s resources.
Prepared by: Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR) Team Leading regional and international political, security, and diplomatic analysis platform
📩 Contact: horngeopoliticalreview@gmail.com
