Zecharias Zelalem
@zekuzelalem.bsky.social
Visiting fellow at the @ecfr.eu. Award-winning journalist, eyes on the Horn of Africa. Migration, human rights, OSINT.
https://www.aljazeera.com/author/zecharias-zelalem
https://www.aljazeera.com/author/zecharias-zelalem
Pinned
Families want justice, ‘blood money’ for AU peacekeeper killings in Somalia
As African Union forces fighting al-Shabab plan to withdraw this year, Somalis seek accountability for civilian deaths.
www.aljazeera.com
THREAD: My latest is a longform read for @aljazeera.com.
For 7 months, I investigated killings of civilians by African Union peacekeepers in Somalia. With talk about possible peacekeeper withdrawals and new mandates, the families of victims in Somalia demand justice and "blood money" compensation.
For 7 months, I investigated killings of civilians by African Union peacekeepers in Somalia. With talk about possible peacekeeper withdrawals and new mandates, the families of victims in Somalia demand justice and "blood money" compensation.
Genocide resumes, reads this weekend's cover of @thecontinent.org, as El Fasher falls to the Rapid Support Forces after a year long siege.
Gruesome images of their killing spree that is estimated to have killed thousands, make the rounds. What Sudanese activists warned would happen is playing out.
Gruesome images of their killing spree that is estimated to have killed thousands, make the rounds. What Sudanese activists warned would happen is playing out.
November 1, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Genocide resumes, reads this weekend's cover of @thecontinent.org, as El Fasher falls to the Rapid Support Forces after a year long siege.
Gruesome images of their killing spree that is estimated to have killed thousands, make the rounds. What Sudanese activists warned would happen is playing out.
Gruesome images of their killing spree that is estimated to have killed thousands, make the rounds. What Sudanese activists warned would happen is playing out.
THREAD: this investigation took up over half my year, but it's here in @thecontinent.org:
A Djiboutian drone strike in January was depicted as a army operation targeting rebels. It was actually a massacre of civilians. The bloodshed & coverup implicating Ethiopia, Djibouti, France & Turkiye.
#OSINT
A Djiboutian drone strike in January was depicted as a army operation targeting rebels. It was actually a massacre of civilians. The bloodshed & coverup implicating Ethiopia, Djibouti, France & Turkiye.
#OSINT
September 28, 2025 at 4:14 AM
THREAD: this investigation took up over half my year, but it's here in @thecontinent.org:
A Djiboutian drone strike in January was depicted as a army operation targeting rebels. It was actually a massacre of civilians. The bloodshed & coverup implicating Ethiopia, Djibouti, France & Turkiye.
#OSINT
A Djiboutian drone strike in January was depicted as a army operation targeting rebels. It was actually a massacre of civilians. The bloodshed & coverup implicating Ethiopia, Djibouti, France & Turkiye.
#OSINT
Kenya will host an Africa–France summit next year, agreed to by Presidents Ruto and Macron on the UN sidelines this week.
As the Western African rejection of their former colonial power appears increasingly permanent, France races to make geopolitical/strategic gains in East Africa.
As the Western African rejection of their former colonial power appears increasingly permanent, France races to make geopolitical/strategic gains in East Africa.
Kenya and France to co-host ‘Africa Forward’ Summit in Nairobi
The summit is set to bring together African and French Heads of State and Government on May11-12 May 2026
www.the-star.co.ke
September 27, 2025 at 5:52 AM
Kenya will host an Africa–France summit next year, agreed to by Presidents Ruto and Macron on the UN sidelines this week.
As the Western African rejection of their former colonial power appears increasingly permanent, France races to make geopolitical/strategic gains in East Africa.
As the Western African rejection of their former colonial power appears increasingly permanent, France races to make geopolitical/strategic gains in East Africa.
Reposted by Zecharias Zelalem
“drones manufactured by the Chinese tech giant DJI have been used to attack hospitals and civilian shelters and to surveil Palestinian prisoners being forced to act as human shields”.
DJI stopped sales to Russia & Ukraine, but did not stop selling to Israel
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
DJI stopped sales to Russia & Ukraine, but did not stop selling to Israel
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
Israel retrofitting DJI commercial drones to bomb and surveil Gaza
Israeli military repurposes the drones to bomb hospitals and shelters in Gaza, Al Jazeera’s Sanad investigation finds.
www.aljazeera.com
September 25, 2025 at 6:32 AM
“drones manufactured by the Chinese tech giant DJI have been used to attack hospitals and civilian shelters and to surveil Palestinian prisoners being forced to act as human shields”.
DJI stopped sales to Russia & Ukraine, but did not stop selling to Israel
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
DJI stopped sales to Russia & Ukraine, but did not stop selling to Israel
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
70+ worshippers at the Al-Safiya Mosque in El Fasher were killed in an RSF drone strike today, Friday, when Jumah services means mosques are full.
The UAE, which backs the RSF despite it being accused of genocide, continues to face no scrutiny from its western security partners, including the US.
The UAE, which backs the RSF despite it being accused of genocide, continues to face no scrutiny from its western security partners, including the US.
More than 70 civilians killed in attack on mosque in Darfur’s el-Fasher
UN report says ethnic violence has risen and civilians are bearing brunt as war continues between Sudan’s army and RSF.
www.aljazeera.com
September 19, 2025 at 9:33 PM
70+ worshippers at the Al-Safiya Mosque in El Fasher were killed in an RSF drone strike today, Friday, when Jumah services means mosques are full.
The UAE, which backs the RSF despite it being accused of genocide, continues to face no scrutiny from its western security partners, including the US.
The UAE, which backs the RSF despite it being accused of genocide, continues to face no scrutiny from its western security partners, including the US.
After 14 years, the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a massive hydroelectric power dam on the Nile River, is complete. The dam was officially inaugurated.
It is a huge achievement for Ethiopia, with hopes that the power generated can reduce poverty & power shortages.
It is a huge achievement for Ethiopia, with hopes that the power generated can reduce poverty & power shortages.
Ethiopia launches Africa’s biggest dam | BBC News
YouTube video by BBC News
www.youtube.com
September 10, 2025 at 7:21 PM
After 14 years, the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a massive hydroelectric power dam on the Nile River, is complete. The dam was officially inaugurated.
It is a huge achievement for Ethiopia, with hopes that the power generated can reduce poverty & power shortages.
It is a huge achievement for Ethiopia, with hopes that the power generated can reduce poverty & power shortages.
Sigh. Orgs/individuals responsible for supporting genocides, tyrants & downplaying human suffering in Syria, Bosnia, Ethiopia & elsewhere continue to be given prominent leadership/organizer roles in Palestinian solidarity movements across North America.
Solidarity shouldn't enable erasure.
Solidarity shouldn't enable erasure.
Continuing on these genocidal organizations trading on Palestine while aiding other genocides, I see ANSWER coalition is in the mix. Another organizer of People's Conference for Palestine. Isn't this great! I also see the so-called "The People's Forum," with the usual suspects, Breakthrough News. 🧵
September 6, 2025 at 3:47 AM
Sigh. Orgs/individuals responsible for supporting genocides, tyrants & downplaying human suffering in Syria, Bosnia, Ethiopia & elsewhere continue to be given prominent leadership/organizer roles in Palestinian solidarity movements across North America.
Solidarity shouldn't enable erasure.
Solidarity shouldn't enable erasure.
Reposted by Zecharias Zelalem
It has been 3 years since our vocational school offering free education for MDW and refugees returnees in Ethiopia was launched. On Saturday, the latest group of 226 students graduated, completing courses in clothes design, sewing or hairstyling.
The courses being free isn’t the point…
The courses being free isn’t the point…
September 5, 2025 at 12:28 AM
It has been 3 years since our vocational school offering free education for MDW and refugees returnees in Ethiopia was launched. On Saturday, the latest group of 226 students graduated, completing courses in clothes design, sewing or hairstyling.
The courses being free isn’t the point…
The courses being free isn’t the point…
Reposted by Zecharias Zelalem
Keep their voices alive.
Israel Murders Journalists
Keep their voices alive.
bit.ly
September 1, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Keep their voices alive.
Reposted by Zecharias Zelalem
Saudi Arabia just executed Jalal al-Labbad for crimes during the Arab Spring, when he was 15. His brother Fadel was executed in 2019. His brother Mohammed waits on death row. MBS is using anti-terror laws to silence dissent: www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
Saudi Arabia executes man over protests he attended as a 15-year-old
Jalal al-Labbad and his brothers were imprisoned over charges stemming from participation in Arab Spring protests. He and one of his brothers have since been executed.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 22, 2025 at 6:00 AM
Saudi Arabia just executed Jalal al-Labbad for crimes during the Arab Spring, when he was 15. His brother Fadel was executed in 2019. His brother Mohammed waits on death row. MBS is using anti-terror laws to silence dissent: www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
Reposted by Zecharias Zelalem
Al-Sharif killed in what appears to be a targeted Israeli attack on tent housing journalists outside al-Shifa hospital.
Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif killed in Israeli attack in Gaza City
Al-Sharif killed in what appears to be a targeted Israeli attack on tent housing journalists outside al-Shifa hospital.
bit.ly
August 10, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Al-Sharif killed in what appears to be a targeted Israeli attack on tent housing journalists outside al-Shifa hospital.
Reposted by Zecharias Zelalem
"Ethiopia’s Tigray war, which lasted from 2020 to 2022, is one of the most criminally under-covered conflicts in modern history"
“It is a really horrific and extreme form of sexual violence, and one that deserves the world’s attention.”🧵
“It is a really horrific and extreme form of sexual violence, and one that deserves the world’s attention.”🧵
In today's Proximities.
- Horrific report points to genocide in Ethiopia
- A Palestinian mother's story - just one of many
- And Bukele clears path for third term
As always, it can be read in under two minutes.
www.proximities.news/p/ethiopia-g...
- Horrific report points to genocide in Ethiopia
- A Palestinian mother's story - just one of many
- And Bukele clears path for third term
As always, it can be read in under two minutes.
www.proximities.news/p/ethiopia-g...
Ethiopia, Gaza, El Salvador.
Today's three stories you should know.
www.proximities.news
August 7, 2025 at 1:27 PM
"Ethiopia’s Tigray war, which lasted from 2020 to 2022, is one of the most criminally under-covered conflicts in modern history"
“It is a really horrific and extreme form of sexual violence, and one that deserves the world’s attention.”🧵
“It is a really horrific and extreme form of sexual violence, and one that deserves the world’s attention.”🧵
Reposted by Zecharias Zelalem
In today's Proximities.
- Horrific report points to genocide in Ethiopia
- A Palestinian mother's story - just one of many
- And Bukele clears path for third term
As always, it can be read in under two minutes.
www.proximities.news/p/ethiopia-g...
- Horrific report points to genocide in Ethiopia
- A Palestinian mother's story - just one of many
- And Bukele clears path for third term
As always, it can be read in under two minutes.
www.proximities.news/p/ethiopia-g...
Ethiopia, Gaza, El Salvador.
Today's three stories you should know.
www.proximities.news
August 1, 2025 at 7:32 PM
In today's Proximities.
- Horrific report points to genocide in Ethiopia
- A Palestinian mother's story - just one of many
- And Bukele clears path for third term
As always, it can be read in under two minutes.
www.proximities.news/p/ethiopia-g...
- Horrific report points to genocide in Ethiopia
- A Palestinian mother's story - just one of many
- And Bukele clears path for third term
As always, it can be read in under two minutes.
www.proximities.news/p/ethiopia-g...
The 68 are almost entirely Ethiopian nationals, fleeing wars, oppression and the resulting abject poverty. Only twelve survived, and with this cycle so normalized and common since 2020, the Ethiopian government no longer even acknowledges such tragedies, let alone declare national mourning.
BREAKING: The U.N. says 68 African migrants died and dozens are missing in a shipwreck off of Yemen.
UN says 68 African migrants were killed when boat capsized off Yemen
At least 68 African migrants have died and 74 others are missing after their boat capsized Sunday in the waters off Yemen, the U.N.’s migration agency said.
bit.ly
August 5, 2025 at 3:15 AM
The 68 are almost entirely Ethiopian nationals, fleeing wars, oppression and the resulting abject poverty. Only twelve survived, and with this cycle so normalized and common since 2020, the Ethiopian government no longer even acknowledges such tragedies, let alone declare national mourning.
Reposted by Zecharias Zelalem
Visiting Fellow @raniaab.bsky.social's policy brief documents the ongoing attempt to identify and bring justice, dignity and closure to the disappearance and killings of hundreds of thousands of people in Iraq, many of whom are believed to be in mass graves @ecfrmena.bsky.social
buff.ly/9iQFPoX
buff.ly/9iQFPoX
Unearthing the past: Iraq’s mass graves and the quest for justice
A European-backed UN body explored mass graves in Iraq between 2018 and 2024, supporting steps towards justice and reconciliation—and providing wider lessons for the region…
ecfr.eu
July 31, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Visiting Fellow @raniaab.bsky.social's policy brief documents the ongoing attempt to identify and bring justice, dignity and closure to the disappearance and killings of hundreds of thousands of people in Iraq, many of whom are believed to be in mass graves @ecfrmena.bsky.social
buff.ly/9iQFPoX
buff.ly/9iQFPoX
Canada pledges to recognize an independent Palestinian state at the 80th UN General Assembly session in September.
Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution — an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security.
My statement on Canada’s recognition of a Palestinian state:
My statement on Canada’s recognition of a Palestinian state:
July 30, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Canada pledges to recognize an independent Palestinian state at the 80th UN General Assembly session in September.
Reposted by Zecharias Zelalem
#Ethiopia 🇪🇹 In this @globalvoices.org piece, @ZekuZelalem unpacks the mass arrests of Ethiopian doctors, exposing how crumbling wages, exploitative conditions & unchecked repression triggered a brutal government crackdown.
What’s behind the mass arrests of Ethiopian doctors?
Last year, a report by Human Rights Watch outlined a systemic pattern of abuse and killings of health professionals in the country’s northwestern Amhara region.
buff.ly
July 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM
#Ethiopia 🇪🇹 In this @globalvoices.org piece, @ZekuZelalem unpacks the mass arrests of Ethiopian doctors, exposing how crumbling wages, exploitative conditions & unchecked repression triggered a brutal government crackdown.
In media, many voices, narratives & entire peoples are considered irrelevant by too many boardrooms. @globalvoices.org platforms those critical stories &the locals around the globe who write them.
Like many non-profits, they've been hit with cuts. GV is worth supporting. Check out their fundraiser.
Like many non-profits, they've been hit with cuts. GV is worth supporting. Check out their fundraiser.
Donate · Global Voices
Support freedom of expression for everyone, everywhere, by donating to Global Voices.
globalvoices.org
July 19, 2025 at 12:50 AM
In media, many voices, narratives & entire peoples are considered irrelevant by too many boardrooms. @globalvoices.org platforms those critical stories &the locals around the globe who write them.
Like many non-profits, they've been hit with cuts. GV is worth supporting. Check out their fundraiser.
Like many non-profits, they've been hit with cuts. GV is worth supporting. Check out their fundraiser.
Reposted by Zecharias Zelalem
Last year, a report by Human Rights Watch outlined a systemic pattern of abuse and killings of health professionals in the country’s northwestern Amhara region.
What’s behind the mass arrests of Ethiopian doctors?
Last year, a report by Human Rights Watch outlined a systemic pattern of abuse and killings of health professionals in the country’s northwestern Amhara region.
globalvoices.org
July 15, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Last year, a report by Human Rights Watch outlined a systemic pattern of abuse and killings of health professionals in the country’s northwestern Amhara region.
Wrote in @globalvoices.org about the burgeoning protest movement by Ethiopian doctors, demanding better pay & safe working conditions. Their month long labour strike paralyzed the health sector. In response, police arrested 149 striking doctors.
Doctors are threatening a new strike by Sept 15.
Doctors are threatening a new strike by Sept 15.
Last year, a report by Human Rights Watch outlined a systemic pattern of abuse and killings of health professionals in the country’s northwestern Amhara region.
What’s behind the mass arrests of Ethiopian doctors?
Last year, a report by Human Rights Watch outlined a systemic pattern of abuse and killings of health professionals in the country’s northwestern Amhara region.
globalvoices.org
July 18, 2025 at 5:02 AM
Wrote in @globalvoices.org about the burgeoning protest movement by Ethiopian doctors, demanding better pay & safe working conditions. Their month long labour strike paralyzed the health sector. In response, police arrested 149 striking doctors.
Doctors are threatening a new strike by Sept 15.
Doctors are threatening a new strike by Sept 15.
Reposted by Zecharias Zelalem
Since May 2025 Ethiopian doctors launched a strike demanding better pay and working conditions. 👩🏾⚕️👨🏽⚕️🇪🇹
The response from the government ➡️ 149 arrest of medical professional in the past 3 months. 📢💔
🔗 globalvoices.org/2025/07/15/w...
The response from the government ➡️ 149 arrest of medical professional in the past 3 months. 📢💔
🔗 globalvoices.org/2025/07/15/w...
What’s behind the mass arrests of Ethiopian doctors?
Last year, a report by Human Rights Watch outlined a systemic pattern of abuse and killings of health professionals in the country’s northwestern Amhara region.
globalvoices.org
July 15, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Since May 2025 Ethiopian doctors launched a strike demanding better pay and working conditions. 👩🏾⚕️👨🏽⚕️🇪🇹
The response from the government ➡️ 149 arrest of medical professional in the past 3 months. 📢💔
🔗 globalvoices.org/2025/07/15/w...
The response from the government ➡️ 149 arrest of medical professional in the past 3 months. 📢💔
🔗 globalvoices.org/2025/07/15/w...
Every morning, the AJE homepage greets me with a staggering new figure of Palestinians murdered at designated food collection locations.
Wondering if there is a precedent where "humanitarian" orgs like Gaza Humanitarian Foundation are deployed with the double mandate of aid work & enabling genocide
Wondering if there is a precedent where "humanitarian" orgs like Gaza Humanitarian Foundation are deployed with the double mandate of aid work & enabling genocide
The attacks come amid a worsening hunger crisis as Israel severely restricts entry of food, fuel, water and medicines.
At least 72 killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza as truce talks stall
The attacks come amid a worsening hunger crisis as Israel severely restricts entry of food, fuel, water and medicines.
bit.ly
July 15, 2025 at 5:53 AM
Every morning, the AJE homepage greets me with a staggering new figure of Palestinians murdered at designated food collection locations.
Wondering if there is a precedent where "humanitarian" orgs like Gaza Humanitarian Foundation are deployed with the double mandate of aid work & enabling genocide
Wondering if there is a precedent where "humanitarian" orgs like Gaza Humanitarian Foundation are deployed with the double mandate of aid work & enabling genocide
PSA for freelance journalists...don't forget to enter your best material in the Rory Peck Awards, which honours the best in journalism (cuz freelancers are the best journalists✊🏿).
It was an unforgettable experience for me last year. It could be you this year. Three days for the submission deadline!
It was an unforgettable experience for me last year. It could be you this year. Three days for the submission deadline!
📢Just 4️⃣ days to go!
Make sure your work is entered for the most important Awards for #freelance journalists and filmmakers.
Showcase your work to an influential international media audience. Share your story on stage + win a trophy + cash prize.
www.rorypecktrust.org/awards
#journalismmatters
Make sure your work is entered for the most important Awards for #freelance journalists and filmmakers.
Showcase your work to an influential international media audience. Share your story on stage + win a trophy + cash prize.
www.rorypecktrust.org/awards
#journalismmatters
July 8, 2025 at 8:00 PM
PSA for freelance journalists...don't forget to enter your best material in the Rory Peck Awards, which honours the best in journalism (cuz freelancers are the best journalists✊🏿).
It was an unforgettable experience for me last year. It could be you this year. Three days for the submission deadline!
It was an unforgettable experience for me last year. It could be you this year. Three days for the submission deadline!
Reposted by Zecharias Zelalem
📢Just 4️⃣ days to go!
Make sure your work is entered for the most important Awards for #freelance journalists and filmmakers.
Showcase your work to an influential international media audience. Share your story on stage + win a trophy + cash prize.
www.rorypecktrust.org/awards
#journalismmatters
Make sure your work is entered for the most important Awards for #freelance journalists and filmmakers.
Showcase your work to an influential international media audience. Share your story on stage + win a trophy + cash prize.
www.rorypecktrust.org/awards
#journalismmatters
July 7, 2025 at 12:58 PM
📢Just 4️⃣ days to go!
Make sure your work is entered for the most important Awards for #freelance journalists and filmmakers.
Showcase your work to an influential international media audience. Share your story on stage + win a trophy + cash prize.
www.rorypecktrust.org/awards
#journalismmatters
Make sure your work is entered for the most important Awards for #freelance journalists and filmmakers.
Showcase your work to an influential international media audience. Share your story on stage + win a trophy + cash prize.
www.rorypecktrust.org/awards
#journalismmatters
Very lengthy, detailed, sobering long form investigation by @reuters.com into the heinous mass killings of nearly 1,500 Alawite civilians by Syrian state forces from March 7 through the 9th.
These stories need to be told. Awful, disturbing accounts with graphic footage/images included.
These stories need to be told. Awful, disturbing accounts with graphic footage/images included.
How Reuters counted the dead in the March killings of Syrian Alawites
A Reuters investigation pieced together how the March 7-9 massacres of Syrian Alawites along the country’s Mediterranean coast unfolded, identifying a chain of command leading from the attackers directly to men who serve alongside Syria’s new leaders in Damascus.
www.reuters.com
June 30, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Very lengthy, detailed, sobering long form investigation by @reuters.com into the heinous mass killings of nearly 1,500 Alawite civilians by Syrian state forces from March 7 through the 9th.
These stories need to be told. Awful, disturbing accounts with graphic footage/images included.
These stories need to be told. Awful, disturbing accounts with graphic footage/images included.