Category: HaqCheck

A recent TikTok video claiming to show the devastating landslide in Gofa, Ethiopia, went viral, garnering more than three millions of views and sparking widespread concern.

The video, which surfaced on TikTok in late July 2024, depicted a massive landslide engulfing a hillside, with debris and dust billowing into the air. The caption accompanying the video explicitly stated it was from Gofa, Ethiopia, where a devastating landslide had recently occurred.

The landslide in Gofa, Ethiopia, which occurred on July 22nd, tragically claimed hundreds of lives, including those of security officers and rescue team members. In the aftermath, a multitude of reports, images, and videos have emerged. Haqcheck has thoroughly examined the incident and compiled comprehensive reports, ultimately debunking the authenticity of the above video.

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Footage showed hundreds of people gathered at the scene and others digging in the dirt in search of people trapped underneath.

In the background, a hillside can be seen partially collapsed and a large patch of red earth has been exposed. Heavy rains caused a landslide on Sunday, and as police officers, teachers and residents from nearby villages frantically continued with search-and-rescue operations on Monday, a second landslide occurred, burying them too under the mud.

The death toll from the landslide has risen to 257 and could reach up to 500. More than 15,500 people were affected by the landslides, including at least 1,320 children under the age of five and 5,293 pregnant and nursing mothers, according to the latest situation update by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

A closer look revealed the video shared on the TikTok account was actually footage of a landslide disaster in Meghalaya, India, that occurred in 2022.

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This claim quickly gained traction, with users expressing shock and sharing the video widely. Through an investigation similar video was primarily reported by CNN-News18, an Indian news outlet, as a landslide disaster in Meghalaya, India, that happened in June 2022.

In this case, the false claim about the Gofa landslide could have potentially caused unnecessary distress and fear among viewers.

Even Though, the claim was shared at the backdrop of this situation HaqCheck examined the video and rendered it false.

A Twitter (X) account that has more than six thousand followers shared a short clip on June 4, 2024, claiming that the video shows a protest against Fano in Gondar. The video has got more than two thousand views.

However, HaqCheck inspected the post and proved that the caption accompanying the clip was used to suggest the protest was against Fano militants misleadingly.


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The ongoing conflict across Amahara between the Fano militia and the FDRE indeed brings much related information across different social media.

In April 2024, many reports said that Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) fighters controlled the Alamata area.  According to a report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the number of people displaced by violent confrontations in Alamata Town, Raya Alamata, Zata, and Ofla woredas surpassed 50,000.  

During the conflict, different reports claimed that TPLF fighters were robbing healthcare facilities and transporting them back to Tigray.




Haqcheck inspected the video and found that the video was shared in Mainstream media like Amhara Media Corporation. As of the videos we can see that the demonstrations were not a protest against Fano militants. 

We can learn from the demonstration itself being about Raya, as we can also see from the banners they held as proof that it was in Raya not in Gondar.

Haqcheck investigated the video and found that it was shared in mainstream media outlets such as Amhara Media Corporation, and the video shows that the demonstrations were not a protest against Fano. The demonstration takes place in Raya, not Gondar, as stated in the tweet. We can learn this from the demonstration itself, as well as the banners they held, which prove that it was in Raya rather than Gondar.

The banners in the clip mainly convey ideas that oppose the re-registration of TPLF as a party after being designated as a terrorist organization during the Tigray war in 2021, The Ethiopian parliament passed legislation allowing the Tigray People’s Liberation on June 4.2024.

This is one of the banners seen in the demonstration (readers can see in full clips) that protested against the re-registration of TPLF as a party again in 2024. This disagrees with the claim made by the tweet alongside the clip. We can clearly see the claim does indeed not accurately define the reason for the demonstration, the context tweeted by the user is solely direct as if the demonstration is a protest against Fano.

We can also clearly see a banner held by the protesters a guy named Yared Melkamu who was claimed to be killed by the TPLF forces in Raya. In Addition to all that the Amhara media corporation reported the demonstration from this, we can see it is not Gondar but Raya, even if the headline of the report which was “THE PEOPLE OF RAYA ALAMATA DENOUNCED TPLF INVASION AND ATROCITIES WITH PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION”.


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Because of these reasons, we can conclude that the video doesn’t show a protest against Fano as claimed by the Twitter account. Users must share accurate information responsibly since social media pots can address many people, anyone who comes across with this kind of information must be alert before sharing it with others.

An X account with more than 5 thousand followers recently shared a post captioned “Supporters and opponents of the Eritrean government are clashing globally”. The post received a lot of attention on X.

However, HaqCheck inspected the post and found that the video was about an incident on Woodbourn Road in Attercliffe. The post was wrongly portrayed as a politically motivated clash between government supporters and opponents of Eritrean diasporas.

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The fight between Eritreans around the world stems from deep-rooted political issues within Eritrea itself. President Isaias Afwerki has ruled Eritrea for 33 years without holding a national election. The country lacks a constitution, and any form of political dissent outside the ruling PFDJ movement is not allowed.

Eritrea enforces indefinite military conscription on its citizens, leading to a highly militarized society. Many young Eritreans flee the country to escape this mandatory service, contributing to a diaspora opposition movement.

Amid this dictatorial leadership, dissatisfied citizens of Eritrea have formed opposition groups like Brigade Ni’hamedu, which take a radical stance against the government and actively protest pro-government events abroad.

Recently, There was a clash in Tel Aviv between the opponents of the Eritrean regime and the supporters of the government. As we can recall in September 2023, violent riots took place in Tel Aviv between the opponents of the Eritrean regime and the supporters of the government.

Against this backdrop, a video was shared on X (Twitter) claiming that “Supporters and opponents of the Eritrean government are clashing globally.”

HaqCheck investigated the claim to see if the video supports the claim and found that the video shows a disorder among a large group of people fighting in the street at Woodbourn Road in Attercliffe.

According to the BBC, a street fight broke out on Woodbourn Road at around 2.25 pm on Saturday, May 25, 2024 afternoon. The incident unfolded on Woodbourn Road in Attercliffe, causing disruption and concern among residents and local authorities.

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It is essential to emphasize that during the police announcement, the incident was not announced as it was related to any political affiliations or targeted against the Eritrean communities as told by the X account. The situation involved a disorder among a large group of individuals, and still not confirmed that it is related to political or social causes.

We have also found an update regarding the situation in Woodbourn, in which police are calling for witnesses who were there at the time and have information or video footage to come forward.

A social media account with more than twenty thousand followers recently shared a claim on X, stating that Siinqee Bank is illegally distributing cash to people without any documents.

The post uses a description to indicate the allegation as “A new private bank formed by a group of individuals who have close ties to the regime named “Sinque Bank (ሲንቄ ባንክ)” now illegally distributing cash to folks without any documentation (see the picture below).”

Disclosures given by corporations and banks are an important tool used as a communication mechanism between insiders and outsiders either investors or regulators who are seeking information for their decision-making.

The post accuses the Ethiopian government of incorporating local banks like Siinqee Bank, Awash Bank, Cooperative Bank of Oromia, and Oromia Bank as its affiliates by reviewing and controlling their account books and financial statements.

It also included a strong accusation that the Federal government [Abiy Ahmed’s] regime is printing the Ethiopian birr and triggering economic inflation in the country.

It continues, many large clients, mainly state and federal government accounts have been transferred to this bank (Siinqee) and taken control of large deposits made by government-owned business entities and institutions.

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Siinqee Bank used to operate as Oromia Credit and Savings Share Company.  It has become a prominent player in microfinance, boasting a substantial capital of more than 7 billion birr. The bank’s name, Siinqee, derives from a cultural practice called SIINQEE, which holds significance in the Oromo Women’s Cultural Practice and the grand Geda System.

Siinqee represents a social power that empowers Oromo women, enabling them to protect their rights, mediate disputes, safeguard their communities, promote coexistence and cooperation, and contribute to peace and stability.

The image that was attached with the claim above was also found on the official Facebook page of Jimma Zone Communication with a caption of “Godina Jimmaa Aanaa Cooraa Botoritti sosochii Qusannaa guyyaa tokkootiin Qonnaan Bultoonni Aanichaa waan hojjatan irraa Qr. 266,000,000 ol Baankii Siinqeetti qusataniiru” translated as “In 1 day in Chora province of Jimma country, the local farmers saved more than 266,000,000 from the income they have generated, in Siinqee Bank.

Other similar posts were also found on this Facebook page about saving campaigns made by Siinqee Bank in different zones of the region.

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HaqCheck attempted to reach out to the primary source or the claimant to verify the information presented. However, despite diligent efforts, HaqCheck was unable to establish any means of communication with the claimant. The claimant had also disabled the messaging section on their Twitter account, further impeding direct contact. Given the urgency of the topic and the inability to confirm details with the primary source, HaqCheck faced a dilemma in verifying the information before publication.

Therefore through careful investigation and review, HaqCheck found the claim made by the X account to be False.

Moreover, in a manipulative and deceitful attempt, the same images shown in the X account as well as Jimma Zone Communication, were found surfaced online in a TikTok account with the sole purpose of scamming unsuspecting individuals. It was strategically designed to lure people into a fraudulent trap by claiming the people with the money were members of the Illuminati community and promising people financial independence if they registered for the community.

In the age of social media, misinformation, and scams can easily spread like wildfire. Recently, a TikTok account shared a video claiming that Canada is offering free job opportunities to individuals from various countries. The video gained significant attention and went viral.

However, HaqCheck implemented an investigation that revealed the video is nothing more than a constructed scam. Not only does it present false information about job opportunities, but it also deceptively showcases locations that are not in Canada but rather in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

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Scammers often use a variety of ways to trick innocent individuals into accepting deceptive job offers abroad. A common technique is to promise lucrative jobs with minimum qualifications or expertise. These scammers advertise positions that seem too good to be true, such as work-from-home possibilities with large-scale payment. They rely on people who are desperate for work or want to get money quickly.

The TikTok video in question opens with a captivating tale, promising individuals the opportunity to work in Canada without any cost. It showcases picturesque locations, creating an illusion of Canada’s beauty and prosperity. However, closer investigation reveals that the areas represented are not in Canada, but in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The footage below was discovered in Zanzibar together with claimed by the video as being from Canada. 

   
TikTok footage | Footage from Zanzibar  
  

TikTok footage | Footage from Zanzibar 

The video’s sole purpose is to captivate viewers and redirect them to websites for monetization through Google ads.

The scammers behind the video not only manipulate images and locations but also misuse the reputation of famous TikTokers, including Bereket Tesfaye, an Ethiopian TikToker who is currently residing in Ethiopia. By featuring Bereket Tesfaye and portraying him as someone enjoying the benefits of the scam, they aim to lend credibility and authenticity to their false claims. This exploitation of influencers’ images and narratives further deceives viewers and increases the trust factor associated with the video.


Fake | Original 

The TikTok account responsible for the video goes by the name “Ethiocanada“. This account showcases a range of videos, including online job opportunities, immigration ideas for free, and even fake gifts from official organizations like Ethio Telecom. By combining various deceptive tactics, such as falsely associating with official entities and presenting enticing offers, the scammers aim to attract a larger audience and exploit their aspirations for a better life.

The primary motive behind such scams is financial gain. The scammers intend to attract a large number of viewers to their websites, where they can generate revenue through Google ads. By presenting false information and exploiting people’s aspirations for better opportunities, they capitalize on the trust placed in social media platforms.

It is crucial to verify the credibility of sources and cross-reference information from a reliable platform. The deceptive TikTok video claiming free employment opportunities in Canada, while showcasing locations in Zanzibar, Tanzania, serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of scams and misinformation in the digital age. By understanding the motives behind such scams, recognizing the misuse of influencers, and equipping ourselves with knowledge and critical thinking skills, we can protect ourselves and others from falling victim to deceptive practices.

A telegram channel with over 460 thousand followers shared the news on March 31, 2014, claiming that Al-Shabaab was attacking Ethiopian military forces on the Ethiopia-Somalia border.
However, HaqCheck inspected the post and proved that the video was old and didn’t support the claim.

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The conflict between Al-Shabaab and the Ethiopian government has its roots in the complex political dynamics of the Horn of Africa region, particularly in Somalia. Al-Shabaab, a militant Islamist group, emerged as a significant player in Somalia’s political landscape in the mid-2000s. Initially, it aimed to oust Ethiopian forces from Somalia, viewing them as invaders. Ethiopia, on the other hand, intervened in Somalia to support the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and to counter the influence of Islamist groups like Al-Shabaab. 

The relationship between Al-Shabaab and Ethiopia is characterized by animosity and sporadic confrontations. Al-Shabaab has carried out numerous attacks on Ethiopian security forces, and civilians. These attacks are often retaliation for Ethiopia’s military involvement in Somalia and its support for the Somali government. 

Ethiopia, for its part, has conducted military operations against Al-Shabaab both within Somalia and along the Somali-Ethiopian border. These operations aim to degrade Al-Shabaab’s capabilities and prevent the group from launching cross-border attacks into Ethiopian territory.

Al-Shabaab and the Ethiopian government fight is part of the broader struggle for control and influence in the Horn of Africa. It is intertwined with regional geopolitics, ethnic tensions, and socio-economic factors. Efforts to resolve the conflict require a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of instability in Somalia and the wider region. This includes addressing governance issues, promoting dialogue and reconciliation, and addressing the grievances of marginalized communities that are vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups like Al-Shabaab.

So based on our investigation the video used in the telegram post doesn’t support the claim. On February 14, 2024, a press release was given by The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Taye Atseke Selassie, expressing his deep sorrow for the damage caused by the Al-Shabaab attack on the government of Somalia. 

HaqCheck did an investigation regarding recent updates related to the al-Shabaab attack on Ethiopian soldiers but found out that the telegram channel didn’t mention any sources for the news.

However, HaqCheck investigated the post and found that the video was previously shared in 2019 on the Reddit social media platform with the title “The compilation of an extremely brutal IED attack on a Somalia force by Alshabab in 2019.”

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Because of these reasons, HaqCheck rated the post as False. 

On November 28, 2023, a Facebook post went viral, claiming to show a graphic video of a starving infant in Tigray. The post garnered nearly 8,000 views and was shared over 121 times.

The same claim, accompanied by the video, was shared on other Facebook posts. Another Facebook post featuring the same video and claim garnered over 5,000 views and 80 shares.

Reports indicate a severe drought and ongoing hunger crisis in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. The Tigray regional government reported that 17,000 hectares of crops, out of a total of 19,000 hectares under cultivation, succumbed to the drought’s effects in the Abergelle Woreda alone.

The situation worsened when USAID and the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) halted aid citing allegations of aid theft by government officials. On November 13, 2023, USAID announced it would resume food aid distribution in Ethiopia in December after a six-month suspension.

An OCHA report released on October 31, 2023, estimated that over 5 million people are affected by drought-like conditions in both Amhara and Tigray.

Additionally, the Tigray regional administration reports ongoing drought and hunger in the Wejerat and Atsbi Woredas.

Recent social media posts claimed that there is an ongoing famine in the Abergelle Woreda of the Tigray regional state. These posts have also initiated social media campaigns to raise funds for people in the Tigray region.

Amidst reports of hunger and fundraising campaigns, a graphic video depicting a starving infant surfaced and was widely shared on social media.

However, the video used in these campaigns was originally posted on TikTok on November 12, 2023, three weeks before the false claim appeared online.

The video in question first appeared on a TikTok account claiming to belong to someone named Kato Nicodem. The TikTok account has 1.8 million followers and 34.5 million likes.

Nicodem claims to lead a non-profit organization that helps orphans and children in Uganda. He frequently shares similar videos of children receiving care on his account, including the one used in the false Tigray claim.

Other videos featuring the same child have also been published by the TikTok account.

In a fundraiser post on GoFundMe, Nicodem claims to be the founder of “Save African Child 254 Ministry,” an organization that helps orphans in Uganda, and a co-founder of another orphanage organization named “Kinderhilfezentrum.” He also clarifies that “Nicholas Ssebuufu” is his real name and “Kato Nicodem” is his nickname.

While reports indicate an ongoing drought and hunger crisis in the Tigray region, the graphic video does not depict a starving child in Tigray. Therefore, HaqCheck deemed the Facebook claim False due to the use of a misleading video.

An X (Twitter) user with over 14,000 followers shared a video claiming that it showed Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) soldiers recently beating up civilians in the Amhara region.

The post on X was viral across the platform and was viewed by over 12 thousand users. It was reposted over 400 times and gained over 329 reactions by the time this article was published.

However, HaqCheck inspected the post and found that the video was old and doesn’t support the claim. Therefore, HaqCheck rendered the claim False.

The Amhara region of Ethiopia is in the midst of an armed conflict between government forces and Fano militia groups. The conflict began when the government ordered regional paramilitary forces to disarm and join other security forces. As a result, militia groups took control of parts of the region, leading the Ethiopian federal government to declare a state of emergency.

After a counteroffensive, the government managed to recapture major urban areas from Fano militants. However, reports indicate that armed clashes and confrontations continued in the region.

On Aug 11, 2023, reports and social media posts indicated that hundreds of people were killed in the ongoing conflict in Amhara region.

Against this backdrop, a post emerged on X sharing a video alleging that Ethiopian soldiers were beating up and harrassing Amhara civilians in the region.

HaqCheck investigated the claim to see if the video supports the claim. However,  HaqCheck discovered the video previously posted on X (Twitter) on May 13, 2021. The video was originally shared with a description that Ethiopian army soldiers were beating up and terrorizing Tigrayan civilians during the armed conflict between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray people’s Liberation Front (TPLF) forces.

Therefore, HaqCheck rated the post False due to its usage of an old and inaccurate video.

HaqCheck reached out to the person who made the claim to get more information, but the claimant didn’t reply until this article was published.

A Facebook account shared an image claiming that a child was snatched away from her parents and detained by federal police officers for wearing a dress with a red, green, and yellow color pattern during the Demera celebration. The post was widely shared on social media and HaqCheck received the same claim through its bot.

However, HaqCheck found that the image was old and had been shared before. The image does not show a child at the Demera celebration wearing a dress with a green, yellow, and red pattern that has been snatched away from her parents. As a result, the claim was rated False.

The 1995 FDRE constitution established the flag as having three horizontal stripes in green, yellow, and red, with a yellow interlaced pentagram radiating rays of light on a blue shield.

The Ethiopian flag has been a source of debate, disagreement, and dispute, particularly over the use of the star emblem. Some people want the red, yellow, and green color flag with no star emblem, while others want the official one with the star emblem. Those who don’t want the star emblem are often seen, by the other side, as being against the self-determination rights of the different groups and peoples of Ethiopia.

To maintain peace and order during the Demera celebration, the government, and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church have warned people not to bring or wear any unrecognized flags or symbols to the Demera celebration, except for the red-yellow-green flag with the Church’s symbol.

On September 27, 2023, the Federal Police Commission announced that people must adhere to the government’s regulations and guidelines for the event, which includes not bringing any flags or symbols that are not associated with the Demera celebration or the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

Against this backdrop, a Facebook account shared an image on social media claiming that a child was snatched away from her parents and detained by federal police officers for wearing a dress with a red, green, and yellow color pattern during the Demera celebration.

HaqCheck investigated the claim and found that the image is not recent and does not support the claim.

The image used in the post was posted in January 2022, and the caption describes the #NoMore movement, which emerged in response to perceived interference by external countries in the internal affairs of Ethiopia during the war between the government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

HaqCheck found the post to be False because the image used was not accurate.

HaqCheck contacted the person who claimed to get more information, but the person did not respond until after the article was published.

An X (formerly known as Twitter) account with a large following shared an image on September 18, 2023, claiming that it shows Oromo militia attacking Somali villages and the largest Somali refugee camp in the area. The account claimed that the attack was sponsored by the Oromia regional government and was motivated by a land grab. The tweet was shared nearly 300 times and received over 400 reactions.

However, the images are old and have been shared before. The pictures don’t show an Oromo militia attacking Somali villages. As a result, the claim was rated False.

According to a BBC News report from February and March 2017, hundreds of people were killed in the southern Oromia district of Negele Borena after a paramilitary force backed by the Somali region attacked the area.

Ethnic Oromos have accused the Somali regional special police force of being responsible for the attacks. The Somali regional government has denied the allegations, instead accusing senior officials in the Oromia government of being sympathetic to the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).

Both the Oromo and Somali communities live in the border areas between the two regions. Both communities are largely pastoralist and move across the borders of the two regions in search of pasture.

In this context, an X (Twitter) account shared an image claiming that the Oromo militia sponsored by the Oromia regional government attacked villages and the largest Somali refugee camp in the Somali regional state of Ethiopia.

HaqCheck investigated the claim and found that the image is not recent and does not support the claim. The first image used in the post was posted on Facebook in August 2019 with a caption that criticizes the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), a nationalist party in the Somali region, for not doing enough to help the people of Qolaji.

The second image was previously published by the Daily Mail in May 2018 and the caption described how power lines touching trees caused four wildfires in California that destroyed 134 buildings.

HaqCheck rated the post as False because it used images that were not accurate.

HaqCheck reached out to the person who made the claim to get more information, but the claimant didn’t reply until this article was published.