Médecins Sans Frontières has released findings stating that Ethiopian government forces executed three of its employees in Tigray four years ago. The report calls attention to the targeted nature of the killings at a time of increased hostility towards aid workers, leading to broader implications for humanitarian efforts in conflict zones.
Ethiopian Government Accused of Targeted Killings of Aid Workers in Tigray Conflict
Ethiopian Government Accused of Targeted Killings of Aid Workers in Tigray Conflict
A Médecins Sans Frontières report asserts that three aid workers, including a Spanish national, were executed by Ethiopian troops during the Tigray conflict, raising serious concerns about the safety of humanitarian efforts.
Ethiopian government forces are accused of executing three aid workers from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) during their humanitarian mission in the Tigray region, according to Raquel Ayora, the general director of MSF Spain. This assertion emerged alongside the release of MSF’s findings, which label the incident a deliberate act. The three aid workers, consisting of a Spanish national and two Ethiopian nationals, were reportedly killed on June 24, 2021, as they assessed medical needs in a region profoundly affected by a brutal conflict that erupted in 2020.
Ayora stated unequivocally, "They were executed," emphasizing the alarming nature of the killings, which occurred at close range while the workers were identifiable through their MSF vests. The charity's vehicle, bearing the organization's insignia, was also subjected to gunfire before being set ablaze, suggesting that Ethiopian troops were fully aware that they were targeting humanitarian personnel. MSF attempted to engage with the Ethiopian government for four years to obtain a credible explanation regarding the killings but reported that no satisfactory account was provided.
The Tigray conflict worsened over time, leading to immense loss of life, with estimates suggesting that around 600,000 individuals perished as a result of the fighting, starvation, and lack of medical care, according to the African Union’s envoy. The hostility towards aid workers reportedly intensified, creating a perilous working environment. María Hernández Matas, a prominent figure in the local community, was particularly cherished, and the impact of her death on her family has been profound.
Witness statements collected by MSF portray a chilling account of military commands issued to eliminate the aid workers. The organization's investigation implicates Ethiopian military personnel at the scene of the crime. Despite some initial verbal acknowledgments from Ethiopian officials regarding a preliminary investigation, no formal, written confirmation has been provided, raising concerns about accountability and the safety of humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
This tragic case highlights the critical challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in war-torn regions and elevates discussions about the protective measures necessary for those working on the front lines to deliver assistance amid escalating violence.
