A delegation of business employees required rescue after violent riots erupt in the region
hrs total duration of rescue mission
0
embassies of different countries cooperated w/ MAGNUS in this rescue
0
employees from various nationalities were rescued
0
Many entities live, take vacation, and conduct business in developing countries which lack robust communication infrastructure and suffer from political instability. In this case, our mission focused on assisting foreign workers in the Tigray Region, Ethiopia—a declared theatre of war and the geographical focus of on-going violent political revolution. As the political situation deteriorated, communication mechanisms between the Operational Desk and groups of remote foreign employees working in the area became unreliable. MAGNUS directed its global network to evaluate the situation and provide technical solutions to re-establish communications required for the safe monitoring of conditions on the ground, and to ensure all travelers reached safety.
Initial Report
Reports were received at the MAGNUS Control Center from several foreign companies requesting immediate evacuation from the area as GSM communication infrastructure became inoperable during violent riots in the region. Reliable communication with employees in the area was determined to be critical to ensuring that a safe evacuation take place.
The MAGNUS team activated its global network and conducted liaison with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the local consulate. It became clear that was crucial to gather intelligence to evaluate several contingency plans prior to taking action.
Operational Challenges
- The Tigray Region is known for its violent instability.
- A lack of communication with the foreign employees made coordinating with and guiding the groups impossible until communications were reestablished.
- Two separate groups of employees were situated in two different locations.
- All airports in the northern parts of the region were blocked, and on-the-ground check points were being established rapidly on major roadways.
Mission Phases
- Once initial reports were received, the MAGNUS Control Center gathered critical intelligence from its global network of service providers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the local consulate. Based on this intelligence, the team built several scenarios for extraction of the foreign employees. Simultaneously, an on-ground rescue team was notified to prepare to be flown into the country.
- Communication is established with one group, leveraging satellite communication devices made available by close coordination with local Red Cross teams.
- This group of employees is directed to remain in place, as they are determined to be in a safe location and equipped with food, water, and the presence of a doctor.
- The Magnus Control Center continued to monitor and gather intelligence, leading to the coordination with a UN Delegation that was able to successfully evacuate both teams of employees to the capital Addis Ababa.
When conducting operations overseas it is recommended to consider the three stages of ‘duty of care’—preparation, mitigation, and action. Thorough contingency planning allows for a clear protocol for taking action by the company and its employees when communication is interrupted.
TRACK THE
MISSION
Use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out on the dynamic map
You can also open the map in a large view in a new tab
The rescue team
More
Case Studies
