Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Tigray region is at the center of a growing controversy over illegal gold mining, with allegations pointing to members of the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). These groups are reportedly collaborating with foreign miners to exploit the region’s gold resources illegally.
The illegal mining operations, allegedly carried out with hazardous chemicals, are causing severe environmental damage. Beyond the ecological harm, reports indicate that profits from these illicit activities are being funneled into land acquisition schemes, fueling land grabbing and the displacement of local communities.
The situation has sparked widespread calls for immediate action. Local authorities, environmental activists, and concerned citizens are urging tighter regulations and accountability measures to curb illegal mining. They warn that these activities are depleting Tigray’s natural resources, destabilizing the region, and exacerbating socio-economic challenges.
The illegal exploitation of gold in Tigray highlights the urgent need for resource management reforms and stricter oversight to protect the region’s environment and the livelihoods of its people.
