Orthodox Christian attacks in Ethiopia leave dozens dead

Two separate attacks in Ethiopia's Oromia region killed at least 60 Orthodox Christians, according to the country's Orthodox Church. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church's Holy Synod stated that 14 people died in Merti district on October 20, followed by another 46 deaths in Shirka district on October 24. Both districts are located in the Arsi Zone of Oromia.

Casualties And Damage

More than 20 people suffered serious injuries in the violence. Attackers also burned down 20 homes during the incidents. The church condemned the violence as brutal and merciless massacres, adding that the attacks violated constitutional protections for religious freedom and the right to life.

Government And Rebel Reactions

Oromia regional government spokesperson Hailu Adugna blamed the Oromo Liberation Army for the violence. He accused the rebels and their allies of trying to spark ethnic and religious conflict to divert attention from military losses in northern Ethiopia, though he presented no evidence for this claim. Adugna expressed sorrow, pledged help for the wounded and displaced, and stated that authorities had started taking action against those responsible. The OLA could not be reached for comment, but its leader, Jaal Marroo, previously denied that his fighters target civilians.

Context

Oromia is Ethiopia's largest region and home to about 40 million people. The area has faced ongoing conflict between government forces and the OLA since 2018, alongside violence involving other armed groups and criminal gangs. Human rights groups and United Nations investigators have previously documented abuses committed by both government forces and rebel fighters in the region.