Tigray Supreme Court Orders Release of Funds for Unpaid Teachers' Salaries

The Tigray Supreme Court has mandated the immediate release of over 500 million birr from the Regional Bureau of Finance's account at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia to settle 17 months of unpaid salaries owed to teachers across the region. This ruling, issued on July 30, 2025, follows a protracted legal battle initiated by the Tigray Teachers' Association in August 2024.

The court's decision comes after it temporarily froze the bank accounts of the Tigray Interim Administration, uncovering substantial funds that remained unused despite the prolonged salary arrears. During the latest hearing, prosecutors argued that the Interim Administration had deliberately delayed salary payments, citing federal budget constraints and alleging improper withdrawals from the Education Bureau's account.

However, the Supreme Court dismissed these claims, confirming that the disputed funds had been lawfully used to pay government employees in June 2025 and had not been moved thereafter. The court rejected the administration's argument that the frozen funds were needed for "administrative purposes," ruling the justification insufficient. Consequently, the court ordered the immediate release of 500 million birr to settle the teachers' overdue salaries.

Additionally, the court instructed prosecutors to submit a detailed breakdown of how the funds will be distributed among teachers and to provide an inventory of any related assets. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for August 6, 2025, to review compliance with the court's orders.

This ruling is a significant victory for the thousands of teachers who have endured financial hardship due to the prolonged non-payment of salaries. It also underscores the judiciary's role in addressing administrative failures and ensuring that public servants receive their rightful compensation.

The case has drawn attention to the broader challenges facing the Tigray region, including financial management and governance issues. Observers note that the court's intervention may set a precedent for addressing similar disputes in other sectors.

As the situation develops, stakeholders are closely monitoring the implementation of the court's orders and the subsequent impact on the region's education system and public administration.