East Africa

In the shadows of Tigray's devastating war, a quiet tragedy unfolds. Beneath the scarred earth, rich veins of gold promise prosperity but deliver despair. This is a story of plunder, collusion, and betrayal—a story of how the pain of genocide is compounded by exploitation, leaving communities to mourn not just their dead but their stolen future. --- A Land Bleeding Twice Tigray is a region already battered by the horrors of war. Villages lie in ashes, families torn apart, and the echoes of loss reverberate through the highlands. But as survivors struggle to rebuild their lives, another tragedy is underway. The very land that should provide hope is being looted, its gold extracted not for the people of Tigray but for the gain of elites, companies, and war profiteers. The extraction of gold in Tigray is not a tale of development or opportunity; it is a grim extension of the violence that has ravaged this land. The same forces that orchestrated the suffering of its people now turn to ...

There are moments in history when an image captures more than just a moment—it becomes a haunting reminder of betrayal, complicity, and the pain of watching the unthinkable unfold. This particular image is not just a frozen frame; it encapsulates a heartbreak so profound it feels like an open wound, one that burns deeply within. On one side stands the recipient of the award, holding a certificate that, at its surface, seems to symbolize honor. Yet to those who understand the gravity of the moment, it is an emblem of betrayal. This is not a figure being recognized for their noble deeds, their sacrifices, or their efforts for justice. No, this is a betrayer—someone who has abandoned their people, their principles, or their morality for personal gain, for a fleeting moment of recognition, or, perhaps, for a darker mission yet to come. On the other side stands the giver, the orchestrate of unspeakable acts. A person whose hands, in your eyes, are drenched with the blood of innocents—a geno...

The story of Tigray is one of resilience and endurance, yet it is also one of profound suffering and pain. For years, I have carried the dream of seeing Tigray free from hunger, despair, and division. It is a dream that took root in my heart the moment I became aware of myself, a vision for freedom and development not just for myself but for my entire community. I have tried, in my own way, to contribute to this dream. My work has been focused on climate resilience, water management, and green development, areas I believe are critical to the future of our people. But the war that shattered Tigray has left wounds far deeper than I imagined. The suffering I see every day has turned my personal dream into a desperate cry for collective survival. I was fortunate to find work with an international NGO after the war, engaging in emergency food assistance efforts. The salary I earn allows me to feed my family and meet my basic needs. But I cannot truly enjoy what I have, knowing that the stre...