Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London,March 23፡2025 (Tigray Herald)
The Criminal Nexus of General Megebe Haile: A Threat to Tigray’s Stability and Security
A Comprehensive Investigative Analysis by Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review
“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.”
- Introduction: Tigray’s Existential Crisis and the Rise of Criminal Networks
Tigray’s post-genocide reality is defined by political instability, economic devastation, and an
escalating security crisis. At the heart of this turmoil is a network of corrupt and opportunistic
actors exploiting Tigray’s fragile state for personal gain. Among the most dangerous is General
Megebe Haile, a rogue military officer who has entrenched himself as the kingpin of illegal gold
mining, political subversion, and collaboration with external enemies of Tigray.
His unchecked criminal activities not only undermine the Tigray Interim Government but also threaten the fragile Pretoria Peace Agreement, providing Ethiopia’s federal government and
Eritrea’s genocidal regime the opportunity to manipulate and destabilize Tigray from within.
This investigative report, compiled by leading regional and international security analysts,
exposes the criminal empire of General Megebe Haile, his collusion with hostile forces, and the urgent need for accountability to prevent further destruction.
- The Criminal Empire: General Megebe Haile and the Illegal Gold Trade
For over two years, General Megebe Haile has led a shadowy network of military officers, corrupt business elites, and foreign actors engaged in the illegal extraction and smuggling of
gold from Tigray’s resource-rich regions. His actions have crippled Tigray’s economic recovery,
depriving the region of critical post-war reconstruction revenue.
2.1. The Smuggling Operations
Gold is systematically looted from Tigray’s mines under General Megebe Haile’s command.
The smuggled gold is funneled through secret routes controlled by armed groups loyal to his
network.The illicit trade benefits external actors, with gold reaching Eritrea, Sudan, and international
black markets.
Eritrean regime officials and Amhara-backed Fano militias are among the primary beneficiaries The illegal profits are used to finance political instability, undermine the Tigray Interim Government, and sustain anti-reformist factions within the TDF.
2.2. The Economic Devastation of Tigray
Tigray’s natural resources should be fueling reconstruction, humanitarian aid, and economic revitalization. Instead, they are being looted.The influx of illicit funds has created a black-market economy, weakening legitimate institutions and pushing Tigray further into economic collapse.
- Collusion with Tigray’s Enemies: A Web of Betrayal
General Megebe Haile is more than just a criminal—he is an active collaborator with Tigray’s
enemies. His strategic alliances with hostile forces pose an existential threat to Tigray’s survival
as a political and territorial entity.
3.1. Alliance with the Eritrean Regime
Evidence confirms that General Megebe Haile maintains secret channels with Eritrean military intelligence.
He provides logistical and strategic support to Asmara in exchange for financial kickbacks and protection. A destabilized Tigray serves Eritrea’s l ong-term strategy to prevent Tigray’s resurgence as a political and military power.
3.2. Collusion with Amhara Fano Militias
The same Fano militias responsible for massacres and ethnic cleansing in Western and Southern Tigray have received financial and military backing from General Megebe Haile’s network.
By aiding Tigray’s historical enemies, he has actively contributed to the fragmentation of Tigray’s territorial integrity
3.3. Conspiracy Against the Ethiopian Federal Government
The Ethiopian Federal Army has officially accused General Megebe Haile of conspiring against the Ethiopian state, further isolating him politically.His actions have not only harmed Tigray’s stability but have fueled tensions within Ethiopia,
making him a threat to national security.
- The Failed Propaganda Campaign: General Megebe Haile’s Media Stunts
Facing mounting pressure, General Megebe Haile has resorted to media manipulation in an attempt to salvage his tarnished image.
In a recent Ethio-Forum interview, he attempted to justify his actions but failed to provide factual defenses, further exposing his lack of credibility.
He falsely portrayed himself as an “educated intellectual”, claiming to hold a master’s degree,yet he has never produced a single well-structured policy document.
His contradictory and substance-lacking rhetoric reflects his growing desperation as the truth about his crimes comes to light.
“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.” –
This quote aptly describes General Megebe Haile’s deception, where misinformation and illusion have been his greatest tools.
- The Consequences of a Leaderless Tigray: Why Immediate Action is Needed
Failure to act against General Megebe Haile will have catastrophic consequences for Tigray:
Total Lawlessness: Without decisive leadership, rogue actors will turn Tigray into a failed state. Loss of Territorial Integrity: Criminal control will provide external enemies an opportunity to annex pareconstruction Permanent Economic Collapse: If illegal mining operations persist, Tigray’s ability to recover will be permanently crippled, leading to poverty and famine.
- The Path Forward: Justice and Accountability
6.1. Immediate Arrest and Prosecution
General Megebe Haile must be prosecuted under both Tigrayan and international legal
frameworks for: War crimes and human rights violations Economic sabotage and illegal resource exploitation Collaboration with hostile forces against Tigray’s national interest
6.2. Establishing an Independent Investigation
A special inquiry committee, composed of legal experts, civil society leaders, and independent investigators, must be established to expose the full extent of his criminal empire.
6.3. Strengthening Tigray’s Governance and Security
The Tigray Interim Government must prioritize security sector reforms and economic
reconstruction.
Financial pipelines sustaining warlords like General Megebe Haile must be cut off.
- Conclusion: The Urgency of Action
Tigray stands at a critical crossroads:
It can pursue justice, stability, and reconstion Or it can succumb to chaos, allowing criminals like General Megebe Haile to erode Tigray from within.
The Tigray Interim Government, international partners, and the people of Tigray must act
decisively to:
- Bring General Megebe Haile to justice.
- Dismantle criminal networks threatening Tigray’s future.
- Ensure that Tigray’s resources serve its people, not warlords and external enemies. The time for hesitation is over. Justice must be served, and Tigray’s future must be safeguarded.
Prepared by:
Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review
Leading regional and international political and security expert
