Merih Welay Welesilassie is a distinguished scholar, human rights advocate, and prominent voice for the Tigrayan community, particularly in the context of the ongoing human rights abuses in Ethiopia. His academic work, most notably the article titled “Only Amharic or Leave Quick!”: Linguistic Genocide in the Western Tigray Region of Ethiopia, offers a critical examination of the linguistic and cultural genocide inflicted upon the Tigrayan people in western Tigray. This research not only documents atrocities but also provides a scholarly perspective on the implications of genocide for the displaced Tigrayan community.
Merih’s educational journey began in the Rawyan Elementary and Humera Secondary Schools located in the Western Zone of the Tigray region of Ethiopia. He furthered his studies at Dilla University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He then completed his master’s degree at Addis Ababa University and obtained a PhD in Educational Science from the University of Szeged in Hungary. His research has been published in several prestigious academic journals, including ‘Language Teaching Research’, ‘English Teaching & Learning’, ‘Language Policy’, ‘Heliyon’, ‘Ampersand’, and the ‘International Journal for the Semiotics of Law’.
In addition to his academic contributions, Merih has been an active advocate for human rights during the Tigray War of 2020. He has emerged as a critical voice for the displaced individuals of western Tigray, many of whom have sought refuge in central Tigray and Sudanese refugee camps. Through collaboration with the Tigrayan diaspora, he has worked to provide essential support, including food, medicine, and educational resources for those affected by the conflict.
Merih’s dedication to exposing human rights abuses has led him to engage actively with local and international media outlets to shed light on the atrocities committed in Tigray. Following the war, he co-founded “Tsilal – Civil Society of Western Tigray,” an organization aimed at facilitating the safe and peaceful return of displaced residents, providing humanitarian assistance, ensuring the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement, and advocating for accountability regarding the crimes committed against the people of western Tigray since 2020. Currently serving as the chairman of Tsilal’s executive committee, Merih continues to play a pivotal role in advocating for justice, reconciliation, and the restoration of rights for the Tigrayan people.
Through his scholarly work and advocacy efforts, Merih Welay Welesilassie exemplifies a profound commitment to human rights and social justice, striving to bring about positive change for his community.