Ethiopia’s Oromia region sees at least 60 Orthodox Christians killed in two attacks
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church reports 14 deaths on Oct. 20 in Merti and 46 on Oct. 24 in Shirka, while regional officials blame the OLA.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church said on Monday that at least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in two separate attacks in the Oromia region.
What happened
According to the Church’s Holy Synod, 14 people were killed in Merti district on 20 October and a further 46 were killed in Shirka district on 24 October. Both districts lie in Oromia’s Arsi Zone. The Church added that more than 20 people were seriously wounded and about 20 homes were set on fire during the incidents. The church described the killings as “brutal and merciless massacres.”
What the reports add
- Both Independent articles report the same casualty figures and dates.
- The church said the killings violated constitutional protections for religious freedom and the right to life, and it called on authorities to publicly condemn the attacks and prevent further violence.
- One article notes the church urged authorities to protect civilians and bring those responsible to justice.
What was said
Oromia regional government spokesperson Hailu Adugna told the Independent that the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and its allies were responsible, accusing them of trying to provoke ethnic and religious conflict to distract from military setbacks. He expressed sorrow over the deaths and said regional authorities had begun actions against those responsible and would assist the wounded and displaced.
“Our war is not against the people.” – Jaal Marroo, OLA leader, in an Associated Press interview published in February.
How it came about
The attacks follow months of heightened tension in Ethiopia’s north, where the OLA and other armed groups have been engaged in conflict with federal forces. The OLA is one of seven groups in the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival, formed in September to oppose Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government. Oromia, Ethiopia’s largest region with roughly 40 million people, has endured a conflict between government forces and the OLA since 2018, alongside activity by other armed groups and criminal gangs that have subjected civilians to killings, extortion and kidnapping.
Key facts
- At least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in two attacks in Oromia’s Arsi Zone. (independent.co.uk)
- 14 people died in Merti district on 20 October. (independent.co.uk)
- 46 people died in Shirka district on 24 October. (independent.co.uk)
- More than 20 people were seriously wounded and about 20 homes were burned. (independent.co.uk)
- Oromia spokesperson Hailu Adugna blamed the OLA for the attacks. (independent.co.uk)
