Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) confirms three of its staff were deliberately executed in Tigray.
Four years after the tragic deaths of three Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) staff, the organisation has now confirmed they were not caught in crossfire, but executed by Ethiopian troops.
According to a newly released MSF report, the team María Hernández (Spain), Yohannes Reda and Tedros Gebremariam (Ethiopia) was deliberately killed while delivering humanitarian support in Tigray.
“They were not in the wrong place at the wrong time. They were shot multiple times at close range,” said MSF Spain director Raquel Ayora.
The three were on a cleared route between Abi Adi and Yech’illa, driving a marked MSF vehicle on a peaceful mission to support war-affected communities.
But instead of protection, they met death.
Witnesses and satellite images cited in the MSF investigation place Ethiopian soldiers at the exact location. One military officer was reportedly heard giving orders: “Catch them. Remove them.”
“This was a deliberate act. They knew they were killing humanitarian workers,” Ayora said firmly.
MSF has held over 20 meetings with Ethiopian officials, seeking answers. Not one has resulted in a written explanation. The silence is deafening.
Each victim left behind stories of love and service:
María, 35, had long served in Tigray. She was her mother’s only child.
Tedros, 31, had just become a father. His wife later named their daughter Maria in honour of her fallen friend.
Yohannes, 32, was celebrated for his selfless work amidst the crisis.
The burnt wreckage of their vehicle still lies on that desolate road—a reminder of what was lost.
The killing of María, Tedros, and Yohannes is not just a tragedy—it’s a warning. Humanitarian workers are facing increased risks worldwide, even as conflict and crisis grow.
MSF is demanding an end to impunity and full accountability.
“Their deaths must not be forgotten. Justice must speak where silence has ruled,” said Ayora.
