Omanghana
At least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in attacks on communities in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
The Church’s Holy Synod condemned the violence as “brutal and merciless massacres,” reporting that more than 20 people were seriously injured and at least 20 homes burned down.
According to figures released by the Synod, the attacks occurred on October 20 and October 24 across several communities.
Fourteen worshippers were reportedly killed in Gora Silingo in the Merti district on October 20. A further 46 people were killed during overnight attacks on Tereta, Chole and Birbo in the Shirka district on October 24.
Assailants reportedly moved from house to house, attacking residents with guns and knives.
The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project indicated that the violence appeared to be religiously motivated, citing the reported targeting of Orthodox Christians and the looting of an Orthodox church.
Oromia regional government spokesperson Hailu Adugna blamed the Oromo Liberation Army, which the government calls “Shane,” for the attacks.
He alleged that the rebel group and its allies were attempting to provoke broader ethnic and religious conflict following recent military setbacks.
Responsibility for the attacks has not been independently established in the information provided. The OLA, which says it campaigns for greater self-determination for the Oromo people, has previously denied allegations of targeting civilians and religious communities. No response from the group to these specific incidents was included.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and other monitors are investigating the circumstances surrounding the violence.
The attacks come amid growing concerns about the safety of Orthodox Christian communities in the area. Information attributed to the Ethiopian Human Rights Council indicates that attacks against these communities have increased in recent years.
Source: Omanghana
