In a shocking report, MSF details the execution of three of its employees—Spanish national María Hernández Matas and Ethiopians Yohannes Halefom Reda and Tedros Gebremariam—by Ethiopian government troops during the Tigray conflict's height in June 2021. MSF director Raquel Ayora emphasized that the workers were clearly identifiable, wearing MSF vests, and traveling in a marked vehicle when attacked. Eyewitness reports suggest troops were given orders to confront and eliminate the aid workers, intensifying worries about the dangers faced by humanitarian efforts in war zones.
The Tigray conflict erupted in 2020 due to tensions between regional and federal governments, exacerbating humanitarian crises as aid workers risk their lives in such hostile environments. MSF continues to advocate for accountability and cites increasing violence against aid personnel globally, calling for an end to impunity.
The Tigray conflict erupted in 2020 due to tensions between regional and federal governments, exacerbating humanitarian crises as aid workers risk their lives in such hostile environments. MSF continues to advocate for accountability and cites increasing violence against aid personnel globally, calling for an end to impunity.