Ethiopian Orthodox Church Reports Over 60 Dead in Oromia Massacre

Key points

• The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church reported that over 60 people were killed in attacks on three areas in the Shirka district of Oromia, with 20 houses burned to the ground.
• A resident described the incident as an ambush, stating that attackers surrounded the area from all directions, and security forces arrived too late to stop the assault.
• The regional government attributed the violence to the Alliance for Survival, a rebel coalition that includes the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), though the OLA has denied carrying out such attacks.
• The Ethiopian Human Rights Council reported that 458 people were killed in attacks in the area over the previous four years, with the current incident being the deadliest in that period.
• The Orthodox Church stated that attacks against Christians have been increasing recently and that it had repeatedly raised concerns about insecurity with authorities without a solution.

Background

Ethiopia has faced multiple internal conflicts, including recent fighting in the northern Tigray region. Oromia, the country's largest state, has a long-running insurgency and ethnic tensions, with armed groups using religion to inflame divisions. The region is home to a mix of Muslim, Protestant, and Orthodox communities, and previous reports have documented attacks against both Christians and Muslims. The Ethiopian government has previously blamed the OLA for attacks, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stating that violence targeting civilians and religious institutions was part of a plan to destabilize the country.

How outlets are covering it

The BBC reported that more than 60 people were killed, with 20 houses burned and five children among the dead. NDTV, citing AFP, reported a lower death toll of between 40 and 51, with two churches attacked and several homes destroyed. Borkena, an Ethiopian news outlet, framed the attacks as part of a pattern of government failure to protect civilians, calling for an independent investigation and accountability from the Prosperity Party. The Amhara Association of America, translating a BBC Amharic report, detailed specific incidents between October 12 and 18, 2026, in Shirka and Honqolo Wabe districts, with at least six people killed and five abducted. The sources differ in the exact death toll and the specific locations of the attacks, but all agree on the religiously motivated nature of the violence and the government's failure to prevent it.

Why it matters

The attacks highlight the ongoing insecurity and religious tensions in Ethiopia, particularly in Oromia, where armed groups have targeted Orthodox Christians. The failure of security forces to prevent the attacks and the lack of a solution to the insecurity have raised concerns about the government's ability to protect its citizens. The violence could escalate into a wider crisis if left unaddressed, and the international community is being called upon to demand protection for threatened communities and consequences for those responsible.

What to watch

The regional government has said it will take action against those responsible, but the OLA has denied involvement. The Orthodox Church has called for a lasting resolution to the insecurity and for displaced residents to receive protection and support. The international community, including Christian leaders and world leaders, is being urged to demand independent access to affected communities and public reporting on investigations. The government is expected to face scrutiny for its failure to protect civilians, and the Prosperity Party's leadership may face political consequences.