By Tigray Media Watch Digital Intelligence Monitoring Group
Introduction: The Unmasking of a Betrayer
At a critical juncture in Tigray’s history, when the people demand accountability, justice, and national rebuilding, one individual has chosen the path of betrayal, corruption, and deception—General Megebe Haile, the ghost leader of illegal gold mining exploitation and the architect of division within the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF).
General Megebe Haile, once entrusted with defending Tigray’s sovereignty and military professionalism, has instead become a self-serving warlord, using his position to advance his personal interests at the expense of the people. His irregular, uncharacteristic, and erratic behaviour in the media following his failed coup attempt against the Tigray Interim Government further exposes his distorted mindset, political frustration, and lack of ethical integrity.
The people of Tigray now recognise him for what he truly is—a ringleader of illicit activities, a symbol of political treachery, and the most despised figure in Tigray today.
General Megebe Haile: The Mastermind of Illegal Gold Mining Exploitation
It is an undeniable fact that General Megebe Haile has monopolised illegal gold mining operations in Tigray, extracting vast wealth while inflicting devastation on the region’s economy, environment, and social stability. The very people he once swore to protect are now the victims of his greed. His crimes include:
- Environmental destruction due to reckless mining practices, displacing communities and leaving irreversible damage.
- Theft of national resources for personal enrichment, rather than reinvesting in Tigray’s economic recovery.
- Bribery and corruption, ensuring his criminal network controls mining zones while suppressing local authorities.
- A silent genocide—by depriving the people of essential resources while he and his circle live in luxury abroad.
The people of Tigray have named him “Zarteiy”, a reference to a selfish warlord exploiting his own people. His hands are stained with the suffering of those he has robbed and abandoned.
Politicisation and Militarisation: Destroying the Integrity of TDF
Not only has General Megebe Haile turned the TDF into a tool for his personal and political agenda, but he has also fractured the military along ideological lines. Instead of upholding Tigrayan military professionalism and neutrality, he has aligned himself with TPLF’s outdated communist ideologies, adopting a Leninist vanguardist approach that undermines national unity.
By refusing to stand as a TDF general in service of all Tigrayans, he has chosen instead to act as a TPLF political militia leader, mobilising special interest groups, criminal associates, and corrupt individuals. His deliberate efforts to prevent zonal and district administrative bodies from functioning prove that he is actively working against the stability of Tigray.
Critical Questions for General Megebe Haile: A Challenge to His Integrity
If you are truly innocent, why don’t you immediately stop the illegal gold mining operations under your control?
Why are you obstructing the Tigray Interim Government and preventing local administrations from carrying out their duties?
Why do you continue violating the Pretoria Peace Agreement by undermining regional stability?
Why are you conspiring with Tigray’s number one enemy—the Eritrean genocidal regime? Is this not an unforgivable betrayal of the people you claim to serve?
Why have you abandoned TDF’s war heroes—the wounded veterans—denying them food, medical care, and basic necessities, despite your past promises?
How do you justify purchasing luxury villas in Dubai’s Damac Properties—worth millions of dollars—while Tigrayans suffer from famine, displacement, and economic devastation?
How can the people of Tigray trust you when you have no integrity, no accountability, and no moral compass?
Why are you surrounding yourself with criminal networks, backward ideologies, and individuals benefiting from Tigray’s suffering?
Why did you send your family and children to America while sacrificing the lives of young Tigrayans for your personal ambitions?
Who do you think should bear the consequences of your actions—yourself or the innocent people you continue to exploit?
Why have you chosen to act as a TPLF political militia rather than a proud and independent TDF general?
Do you think the people of Tigray do not see through your deception? Your real agenda is clear: power, control, and illegal gold mining.
A Man Without Honour: The End of General Megebe Haile’s Illusions
The time for illusions is over. The people of Tigray will no longer be misled, intimidated, or deceived. General Megebe Haile’s betrayal is well-documented, and his legacy will be one of corruption, destruction, and shame. His failed attempted coup against the Tigray Interim Government further solidifies his place as an opportunistic warlord, not a leader of the people.
Tigray will not be held hostage by a man whose only loyalty is to his own greed. The people demand justice, accountability, and the restoration of law and order.
Conclusion: The Call for Immediate Action
We call on the Tigray Interim Government to take decisive action against General Megebe Haile’s illegal activities and ensure his removal from power.
The people of Tigray are to remain vigilant and resist his manipulative tactics.
The international community recognises his actions as war crimes, economic crimes, and a betrayal of the Pretoria Peace Agreement. Tigray will rise above corruption, criminality, and exploitation. General Megebe Haile’s downfall is inevitable because the truth cannot be silenced, and justice will prevail.