A group of three media professionals from the regional broadcaster, Tigrai Television, was abducted this morning around 9:00 AM by armed forces at a gold mining area in the Northwestern Zone of Tigray, according to a statement from the station. The journalists’ phones are not working, and their whereabouts remain unknown.
The media crew had been dispatched three days ago to Meyli, a site known for its gold and mineral resources, where illegal gold mining operations have been reported. These operations involve the use of toxic chemicals that pose significant risks to local habitats as well as to human and animal health.
At the time of their abduction this morning, the journalists were conducting interviews with local farmers about the impact of the chemicals used by miners on their lives and the surrounding environment. The interviews were abruptly interrupted, and the journalists were detained by armed forces. However, Tigrai Television did not clarify whether the ‘armed forces’ in question belong to the widely known Tigray Defence Forces (TDF), who fought against the genocidal federal army and Eritrean forces, or if they are affiliated with other self-proclaimed groups, police forces sent by the interim administration, or local self-appointed governors.
Gold and other minerals mining in Tigray have emerged as a growing source of crisis and instability, with both legal and illegal activities escalating since the ceasefire agreement was signed. Allegations have implicated high-ranking military officers, senior party leaders, and government officials in illegal mining operations and contraband trading.
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Update:
Tigrai TV, a little more than two hours after its initial report, announced that its media crew had been released. The individuals previously reported as kidnapped were identified as the journalist (Tesfazgi Asbey), the cameraman (Esayas Beyene), and the driver (Atakilti Nigus).
