Significant Accomplishments of Tsilal - Civil Society of Western Tigray
Since its inception, Tsilal - Civil Society of Western Tigray has achieved numerous significant milestones through dedicated efforts and community collaboration. Below is a comprehensive overview of our accomplishments:
We have conducted regular press releases and participated in interviews with local and international media, effectively raising awareness of our initiatives and the challenges facing our community.
Our association has organized dynamic demonstrations, petitions, and campaigns across multiple locations, successfully galvanizing community support.
In April 2024, a collective initiative spearheaded by our dedicated member and TikTok influencer, Mniya, alongside numerous supporters, successfully raised over 968,000 Ethiopian birrs to aid the families of martyrs residing in Sudanese refugee camps. A total of 540,000 Ethiopian birrs (equivalent to 5.4 million SDG) was allocated to support 135 families in Tenedba, while 428,000 Ethiopian birrs (approximately 4.194 million SDG) were distributed to 128 families in Omrakuba. In total, financial assistance was provided to 263 families, amounting to 968,000 Ethiopian birrs (9.594 million SDG). This initiative has delivered essential support to those in dire need, reinforcing our commitment to humanitarian assistance in challenging circumstances.
In July 2024, Yodit, our Eritrean sister through Tsilal, contributed 113 Ethiopian birr to support 60 families of martyrs residing in IDP shelters in Mekelle.
Thanks to our sister and active member, Mniya, over 45,000 Ethiopian birr was raised through TikTok to provide food support for children in need in Endabaguna, located in the northwest zone of Tigray.
In collaboration with the Dekna Foundation, we provided clothing and shoes to 50 children in the '70 Kare' IDP center in Mekelle, alongside monthly 9,000 Ethiopian birr financial support for three orphans
Approximately 500 students residing in the '70 Kare' area of Mekelle received educational materials, including books and notebooks collected from various donors.
Under the team led by Dr Merih Welay, chairman of Tsilal executive committee and Dawit Zeru, member of the executive committee, our association successfully held the first large-scale conference in Frankfurt, Germany, in August 2024, raising 460,000 Ethiopian birr to advocate for the challenges faced by the people of Western Tigray, with 250,000 birr allocated towards constructing temporary shelters for flood-affected families at the Selekleka IDP camp.
In January 2025, our association successfully organized and led a global campaign entitled "Yiiakl" (Enough is Enough) held at Mekelle's Romanat Square. This impactful three-day and three-night event was centered around the theme of ensuring the full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement and advocating for the unconditional and safe return of displaced individuals and refugees to their homes.
In November 2024, our organization—'Tsilal'—in collaboration with Irob Anina Civil Society, Solidarity of Tigrayans for Independence and Liberty (STIL), and Tigray Public Media (TPM), orchestrated a global seminar to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Tigray Genocide. This event was conducted both in person and virtually, successfully raising awareness and fostering community engagement.
We are proud to report that all of our financial activities have undergone rigorous reviews and audits, conducted through both internal and external auditing processes. This ensures that we maintain full transparency and accountability in all our operations.
In collaboration with the Dekna foundation, an executive member, Goitom Hailesilassie, facilitated a donation of 64 dozen notebooks and clothing for three mothers in the ‘70 Kare’ area, demonstrating our commitment to educational support.
Through the support facilitated by Goitom Hailesilassie of the 'Tsilal” executive member, we provided 25 returnees from Sudan with clothing and essential school supplies, including 300 pencils, to aid their transition.
Our sister, Brikti Haile, collected and allocated 150,000 Ethiopian birr for displaced mothers from martyr families to cover funeral expenses and provide clothing, shoes, and medical treatment for children and parents in need.
Mahdi, a French citizen of Tunisian origin, donated 40,000 birr personally and an additional 147,000 birr through a fundraising event in Paris, supporting our association's efforts.
We have established lasting communication channels with local and international organizations, human rights advocates, and aid agencies to amplify the voices of the displaced and prioritize their return.
In September 2024, Michael Hagos, an executive member, donated 30,000 birr on behalf of our association to Ruftana, a care and education organization.
In 2025, we contributed 174,800 birr to establish and support the West Tigray Football Team, promoting community engagement and youth development.
In mid-2024, we donated 400 notebooks, 250 pencils, and clothing to those in need at the '70 Kare' IDP center in Mekelle.
In February 2025, collaborating with Alula Primary Hospital, we offered free medical services to 250 individuals at the '70 Kare' Mekele IDP Shelter, addressing critical health needs.
In March 2025, we paid 32,953 birr to the Mekelle Water Resources Bureau to restore water access for IDPs at Hawelti School, ensuring essential water services.
We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a coalition of six civic and business associations, including the Gerealta Institute for Policy Studies and Training, Tigray Public Diplomacy (TPD), the Alliance of Civil Society Organizations of Tigray (ASCOT), the Tigray Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, the Tigray Sector Associations Council, and the Tigray Peacekeeping and Border Development Association. This partnership aims to unite efforts and resources to address the ongoing crisis in Tigray effectively.
We have meticulously developed a comprehensive Road Map aimed at ensuring the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees by March 2025. This strategic plan has been formally submitted to the Tigray Interim Administration, the Tigray Army, and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) for their active implementation and collaboration.
