To: 

• United Nations (UN) 

• Ethiopian Government 

• Tigray Interim Administration 

• Dubai Government 

• International Organizations Combatting Illicit Trade 

• Environmental and Human Rights Advocacy Groups 

• Foreign Governments Engaged in International Trade Policy 

Subject: Combating the Illegal Gold Trade in Tigray: A Call for Accountability, Comprehensive Reform, and Justice 

Introduction: 

We, the undersigned, urgently call for immediate and decisive action to address the escalating crisis surrounding illegal gold mining in Tigray. This trade, which has spiraled into a violent, militarized, and exploitative enterprise, is wreaking havoc on the region’s environment, social fabric, and economy. The long-standing humanitarian crisis in Tigray has now been exacerbated by the unlawful extraction of gold, enriching a select few while further impoverishing local communities. Moreover, this illicit activity is intricately linked to international smuggling networks, with Dubai emerging as a key hub for the illegal trade, raising grave concerns about its involvement in the genocidal war that devastated the Tigray region. 

This petition demands urgent action from both national and international stakeholders to hold accountable those responsible for the exploitation of Tigray's resources, dismantle smuggling networks, and ensure that the wealth generated from Tigray’s gold directly benefits its people. 

The Scale of the Crisis: 

Tigray, known for its vast gold reserves, has become the epicenter of illegal mining operations. This trade is characterized by violence, lawlessness, and widespread exploitation. Mining sites across the region are now war zones, where armed groups fight for control of valuable gold reserves. 

The devastating effects of this crisis are not only local but have far-reaching global implications. The gold extracted from Tigray is smuggled through well-established routes, eventually making its way to Dubai—a global financial hub—where it fuels an illicit trade that undermines international trade laws and perpetuates regional instability. 

Key Concerns: 

1. Militarization and Violence in Tigray’s Gold Mining Sector: 

Tigray’s mining sites have been described as "blood gold" akin to the conflict diamonds of Congo, are heavily militarized.

In April of this year, violent altercations erupted near the Weri River, claiming multiple lives in clashes between various factions. One particularly devastating incident at the Hitsat gold mine, where local workers fought back against foreign operators to demand a share of the profits, resulted in over 20 deaths. These incidents underscore the dangers of the militarization of Tigray's mining sector and the escalating violence fueled by the gold trade. 

2. Foreign Involvement: Chinese and Other Foreign Nationals: 

Foreign actors, especially Chinese nationals, are deeply implicated in the illegal gold mining operations in Tigray. These miners, who operate without proper licenses, collaborate with local armed groups and military leaders. The influx of foreign nationals, often armed and operating with advanced machinery, has exacerbated tensions with the local population, who are excluded from benefiting from the gold extracted in their own homeland. 

In several instances, foreign miners have exploited local labor under harsh and exploitative conditions, providing minimal compensation while reaping the vast profits of the gold trade. The Hitsat mine incident is just one example of how foreign operators exploit local workers, leading to deadly clashes over ownership and compensation. 

3. The Role of Dubai in Smuggling and Exploiting Tigray’s Resources: 

Tigray's illicit gold trade is not confined to Ethiopia. The gold extracted in Tigray is smuggled through well-established routes into neighboring Eritrea, and then shipped to Dubai, which acts as a central hub for the international smuggling network. Investigations suggest that smuggling routes pass through Adiabo, Badme, and the Mereb River into Eritrea, with Dubai being the final destination for the majority of the gold extracted from Tigray. 

This raises serious questions about Dubai’s involvement in the genocidal war against Tigray. Dubai has long been a key player in international trade, and its role as a major center for smuggling Tigray’s gold cannot be overlooked. Given Dubai's historical ties to Ethiopia and its strategic interests in the Horn of Africa, it is crucial that an independent international investigation be launched to assess Dubai’s role in this illicit trade and its indirect support for the violence and exploitation in Tigray. 

4. Environmental and Social Impact: 

The unregulated gold mining practices in Tigray have led to significant environmental destruction. Hazardous chemicals such as cyanide and mercury are routinely used by foreign miners to extract gold, leading to soil and water contamination. These toxins pose severe long-term health risks to local populations, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian conditions in Tigray, where access to healthcare remains severely limited. 

Farmlands and other unauthorized areas have been excavated, leaving families without means of survival. The social fabric of Tigray has been severely disrupted, with communities being torn apart by violence, displacement, and the encroachment of foreign interests. 

5. Systemic Governance Failures: 

Despite efforts by the Tigray Interim Administration to regain control over the mining sector, systemic issues continue to hinder progress. Entrenched smuggling networks, corruption, and a lack of competitive pricing by the Ethiopian central bank have made it nearly impossible for the region to regulate the mining sector effectively. Gold mining operations continue to be dominated by armed groups and foreign nationals, leaving the local population with little or no benefit from the vast wealth being extracted from their land. 

As emphasized by Fisseha Miresa, head of the Tigray Mining Bureau, the central bank must offer competitive gold prices to discourage miners from turning to the black market. Furthermore, the majority of revenues generated from the region’s gold should be reinvested into Tigray, helping to rebuild communities and improve local infrastructure. 

Our Demands: 

1. Launch an Independent International Investigation into Dubai’s Role: 

We demand that an independent, international investigation be launched into Dubai’s involvement in the illegal gold trade and its role in facilitating the smuggling of Tigrayan gold. This investigation should also assess Dubai’s connections to the Ethiopian government and its role in supporting the genocidal war on Tigray. Accountability must be sought for all parties involved in this illicit trade. 

2. Strengthen Governance and Control Over Tigray’s Resources: 

We call on the Tigray Interim Administration, and local authorities to implement stronger governance measures that prioritize the interests of the people of Tigray. These measures should include regulatory frameworks that ensure the gold extracted from the region benefits local communities. A transparent, accountable system for managing Tigray's gold resources must be established, with the wealth directed back into the local economy. 

3. Cooperate Internationally to Dismantle Smuggling Networks: 

We urge international stakeholders to cooperate in dismantling the smuggling networks that facilitate the illicit trade of Tigray’s gold. This cooperation should involve stricter enforcement of trade regulations, the identification and prosecution of those involved in the smuggling routes, and enhanced border security to prevent the illegal movement of gold and other resources. 

4. Address Environmental and Social Damages: 

We demand that immediate steps be taken to address the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining operations. This includes conducting environmental assessments, implementing sustainable mining practices, and providing healthcare and social services to mitigate the harmful effects of toxic chemicals. Furthermore, displaced communities must be provided with adequate support and resources to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. 

5. Provide Humanitarian Aid and Long-Term Support to Tigray: 

International organizations must prioritize humanitarian aid and support to Tigray, addressing the region’s immediate needs, including food, healthcare, and education. Long-term support is also necessary to help Tigray rebuild its infrastructure and economy, ensuring that local communities are empowered to manage their resources sustainably and equitably. 

Conclusion: 

The illegal gold trade in Tigray is not just an economic issue—it is a humanitarian crisis with far-reaching social, environmental, and political implications. The people of Tigray deserve to benefit from the wealth beneath their land, not suffer from its exploitation. Immediate and coordinated action is required to end this illegal trade, hold accountable those involved in the exploitation of Tigray's resources, and ensure that the wealth of the region is used to rebuild the lives of its people. 

We call on the international community, governments, and organizations to act now and ensure that the people of Tigray are no longer exploited by criminal networks and foreign powers seeking to profit from their suffering. 

Sign this petition today to demand justice, accountability, and reform for Tigray’s future.