A report from Médecins Sans Frontières alleges Ethiopian troops executed three of its aid workers in Tigray four years ago, highlighting a troubling pattern of violence against humanitarian personnel during the conflict. The Ethiopian government has not provided a satisfactory response regarding the incidents.
MSF Accuses Ethiopian Troops of Executing Aid Workers in Tigray Conflict
MSF Accuses Ethiopian Troops of Executing Aid Workers in Tigray Conflict
An investigation by Médecins Sans Frontières reveals that three aid workers were allegedly executed by Ethiopian government forces in the Tigray region amidst ongoing humanitarian operations.
In a shocking revelation, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has accused Ethiopian government forces of executing three of its employees during a humanitarian mission in Tigray four years ago. The comments were made by Raquel Ayora, MSF Spain’s general director, as the organization released findings on what it termed the "intentional and targeted" killings of the aid workers, which included a Spanish national and two Ethiopians, at a time of escalating conflict in the region.
“Executed” is how Ms. Ayora described the killings, emphasizing that the workers were shot multiple times at close range. The three aid workers, María Hernández Matas, Yohannes Halefom Reda, and Tedros Gebremariam, were killed on June 24, 2021, while traveling through central Tigray to assess urgent medical needs. They were easily identifiable in MSF vests, and their vehicle displayed the charity’s logos, indicating they were in a recognized humanitarian capacity.
In the wake of their deaths, MSF sought answers from the Ethiopian government but has reported a lack of credible explanations despite years of requests and meetings. The troubling events occurred during a period of heightened hostility towards aid workers, coinciding with a brutal conflict that erupted in 2020 between the Ethiopian federal government and Tigray regional forces, and later saw Eritrean troops involved.
The organization’s report noted that their investigation utilized satellite images, witness accounts, and open-source intelligence on Ethiopian military activities at the time of the killings. Eyewitnesses recounted hearing an Ethiopian officer order his troops to open fire on an approaching car, which is believed to be that of the aid workers. In the aftermath, the bodies of Ms. Matas and Mr. Yohannes were located some distance from their vehicle, which had been subjected to gunfire and set ablaze.
The killings have left a lasting impact on the victims' families and communities. According to Ms. Ayora, Ms. Matas was beloved amongst the local population, while Mr. Tedros had a newborn daughter that he never had the chance to see, highlighting the personal tragedies within the broader context of a devastating conflict.
MSF plans to continue its advocacy for accountability, stating that the Ethiopian Ministry of Justice verbally indicated in mid-2022 that there was no evidence implicating government troops in the violence; however, no official written confirmation was provided. As global humanitarian missions face increasing danger, MSF remains committed to confronting the issues of impunity for violence against aid workers in conflict zones.
