Africa Centre exec denies allegations of harassment

The executive director of the Africa Centre has been placed on administrative leave following allegations of abuse and sexual harassment by four separate women. Through a Saturday email from his lawyer, Tesfaye Ayalew is denying the allegations.

Speaking on behalf of the board of directors, chairman John Gaye said in an interview that the Africa Centre was made aware of the allegations when the centre’s accountant resigned. The Africa Centre is a social service organization that supports African immigrants and refugee families to address barriers and challenges to integration.

“The Africa Centre board received a letter from our accountant resigning due to abuse and sexual harassment,” Gaye said. “Upon receipt of the letter, we had an emergency meeting and we resolved to hire the services of an independent investigator.”

In a subsequent meeting in late December, the board decided to put Ayalew on paid administrative leave for one month starting on Jan. 12 while the investigation is ongoing. They have hired lawyer Arman Chak to conduct the investigation.

The board also received a letter from community leaders informing the board that there were three other women stating they were abused by Ayalew, but the complaint has not been brought formally before the board, although the accountant’s letter said she was not the only one who has left the Africa Centre due to abuse and harassment, Gaye said.

Ayalew’s lawyer, David McCalla, sent an emailed statement on behalf of his client, who is denying the allegations.

“Mr. Ayalew denies the allegations, which he believes are part of a different agenda, and looks forward to the opportunity to clear his name in a fair and open process.”