Ethiopian Orthodox Church Condemns 60 Killed in Oromia Attacks

Key points

• The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church reported 60 deaths, 20 injuries, and 20 burned homes in attacks on October 20 and 24.
• The first attack killed 14 people in Merti district; the second killed 46 in Shirka district, both in the Arsi Zone.
• Oromia regional officials blamed the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and a new rebel alliance, the Ethiopian Peoples' Forces Alliance for Survival.
• The OLA denied targeting civilians, stating its war is not against the people.
• The church called for justice and protection, noting that attacks on Christians have increased recently.

Background

Oromia, Ethiopia's largest region with 40 million people, has faced conflict since 2018. A July 2026 report by the Ethiopian Human Rights Council documented 432 civilian deaths in East Arsi between 2021 and June 2026. Recent violence in Tigray and border clashes with Somalia have heightened regional instability.

How outlets are covering it

Al Jazeera and AP News reported the 60 deaths and 20 injuries, citing the church. AP noted Oromia spokesperson Hailu Adugna blamed the OLA without evidence. Vatican News identified the 'Tsimido' coalition, including the TPLF and Fano militias. BBC highlighted that 5 children were killed and that security forces failed to stop the assault. All sources agree on the death toll but differ on the specific rebel group responsible.

Why it matters

The attacks highlight ongoing insecurity in Oromia and the failure of government forces to protect civilians. They may escalate ethnic and religious tensions, potentially diverting attention from the northern Tigray conflict.

What to watch

The church will seek discussions with government officials. The Oromia government pledged to pursue those responsible. The OLA has not commented on the specific attacks.