By LJDemissie
September 12, 2024
Dr. Ashebir Woldegiorgis, President of the Ethiopian Olympic Committee, is under investigation, including for human trafficking charges related to the Paris 2024 Olympics. This development has sent shockwaves through the international sports community, raising serious concerns about governance and integrity within the Ethiopian Olympic Committee.
An open letter addressed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has called for a thorough investigation and immediate action regarding the charges against Dr. Woldegiorgis. The letter emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability, urging the IOC to take decisive steps to address the issue and uphold the Olympic movement’s values.
Critics are demanding Dr. Woldegiorgis’s resignation, citing the severity of the allegations and the potential damage to the Ethiopian Olympic Committee’s reputation and credibility. They argue that his continued leadership could undermine trust and confidence among athletes, sponsors, and the public.
This case highlights the critical issue of human trafficking in international sports events, emphasizing the need for stringent measures and oversight to prevent such crimes and ensure participants’ safety and well-being.
As the investigation unfolds, the international community will closely watch the actions of the IOC and the Ethiopian Olympic Committee. The outcome of this case may have far-reaching implications for sports organizations’ governance and the fight against human trafficking in sports.
The writer, LJDmissie, can be reached at LJDemissie@yahoo.com or @LJDemissie (Twitter).
It was often claimed that his election was illegitimate and clung to power in the sports community for decades, partly due to the protection by the supervising ministry.