Allegations of Execution of Aid Workers in Tigray Conflict Surface as MSF Releases Findings

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) alleges that three of its aid workers were executed by Ethiopian government forces during the Tigray conflict, according to a newly released report by the organization. The findings assert that the workers' identifiable status did not protect them, prompting renewed calls for accountability in the ongoing issue of safety for humanitarian workers in conflict regions.

Ethiopian government forces have been accused of executing three employees of the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) while they were on a humanitarian mission in the Tigray region during a major conflict that erupted four years ago. Raquel Ayora, a senior MSF official, disclosed these alarming findings to the BBC, emphasizing the "intentional and targeted" nature of the killings. The tragic event involved María Hernández Matas, a Spanish national, alongside Ethiopians Yohannes Halefom Reda and Tedros Gebremariam, who were fatally shot on June 24, 2021.

"They were executed," Ms Ayora remarked, noting that the workers were clearly identifiable in their MSF vests and traveling in a vehicle adorned with the charity's logos when attacked. The charity's report highlights that despite extensive efforts to engage the Ethiopian government over the past four years, including 20 face-to-face meetings, a credible account of the deaths has not been provided.

The violent incident occurred amidst escalating hostilities toward aid workers in Tigray, where Ethiopian and Eritrean troops were engaged in intense conflict following a falling out between the regional and federal governments. The conflict, which lasted two years, concluded with an African Union-brokered peace deal that estimated approximately 600,000 lives lost due to combat, starvation, and decreased access to healthcare.

As detailed in the MSF report, the tragic deaths of these workers came at a time marked by increased hostility towards aid personnel in the region. María, beloved by both colleagues and the local populace, has left her mother devastated; she was an only child. Tedros was reportedly killed shortly after the birth of his daughter, who has been named Maria in honor of his fallen Spanish colleague.

The MSF investigation employed satellite imagery and eyewitness accounts, ultimately situating Ethiopian troops at the site of the murders, and alleging that military orders were given to eliminate aid workers. Although the Ethiopian Ministry of Justice acknowledged a preliminary investigation suggesting that no government troops were present, requests for written confirmation have gone unheeded.

This latest revelation raises urgent concerns over the safety of humanitarian workers operating in conflict zones, emphasizing the need for accountability and protective measures in future operations. As the global landscape sees a rise in conflicts leading to the targeting of aid personnel, MSF's findings serve as a critical reminder of the risks these professionals face while striving to provide essential support in the most challenging environments.