By Andrew Cowthorn
A senior Ethiopian politician and executive director of the Relief Society of Tigray (REST) has been accused by a journalist of threatening him over an ongoing investigation into the organization’s operations and management of donor-funded programs.
Journalist Tesfaalem Tekle told The East African Daily that he received a telephone call from REST Executive Director, Teklewoini Assefa, on Tuesday June 9 during which Assefa allegedly warned him against publishing the findings of his investigation against the local NGO, REST which is fully funded by foreign donors.
According to journalist Tesfaalem, the warning from the Executive Director on Tuesday came only days before the journalist was due to publish his thorough investigation on REST through several international media outlets
Per, the audio recordings, Assefa instructed the journalist to stop further contacting REST employees and department heads for interviews and to halt publication of the investigation.
According to the provided audio, the executive director warned the journalist saying:
“Stop contacting our staff members for interviews and stop publishing this investigative story. If you publish it, consequences will follow, and actions will be taken against you wherever you are.”
“We have traced your whereabouts too” Mr. Teklewoini Assefa said in the audio recording further warning the journalist to refrain from publishing his findings.
The East African Daily has independently verified the authenticity of the recordings.
Yet, Assefa’s response to the allegations was not immediately available.
According to documents, interviews, and other materials reviewed by the publication, questions have been raised regarding the allocation, oversight, and management of donor-funded programs administered by REST.
The allegations have not been adjudicated by a court or regulatory authority yet a potential charge against the administration is open.
Tekle said he intends to share the findings of his investigation with donor organizations and stakeholders, among others including with USAID, Water Charity, and Tigrayan community organizations around the world.
The publication is seeking comment from donor agencies, oversight institutions, and relevant authorities regarding the allegations and the safeguards in place to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of donor funds.
Press freedom advocates say allegations of threats or intimidation directed at journalists should be independently examined and thoroughly investigated.
They also note that allegations concerning the management of donor funds require careful scrutiny supported by verifiable evidence and due process.
The East African Daily will continue reviewing documents, recordings, and other materials while seeking responses from all parties referenced in the investigation.
According to the journalist, the full findings of his investigation are expected to be published in the coming weeks through several international media organizations.
Tesfaalem Tekle is an Ethiopian journalist, human rights advocate, and diplomatic affairs editor who has contributed to a number of international media outlets across Africa, Europe, and North America during a journalism career spanning more than 15 years.
