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At least 60 people have died in two separate attacks in Ethiopia’s troubled Oromiya region over the past week, according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The church identified all victims as Christians but provided no details on how they died or who carried out the attacks.
Two Attacks Strike Oromiya Within Days
The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church confirmed the deaths in a statement issued on Monday. According to the church, 14 believers died in Merti Woreda on October 20. A second, deadlier attack then struck Sherka Woreda on October 24, killing 46 more people.
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In addition to the deaths, attackers burned more than 20 homes. More than 20 other people suffered severe injuries and required hospitalization.
Regional Government and Rebel Alliance Trade Blame
The Oromiya regional government and a source linked to a rebel alliance quickly blamed each other for the violence. The regional government claimed the rebel alliance launched the attacks to stir up religious conflict. However, authorities provided no evidence to support that claim.
Meanwhile, a source connected to the rebel alliance told a different story. That source alleged the Oromiya regional government itself carried out the killings, citing conversations with two local residents.
The Oromo Liberation Army, or OLA, had previously faced blame from the regional government for earlier attacks on Orthodox Christians in the area. However, the OLA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the latest violence.
OLA Part of Broader Alliance Against Federal Government
The OLA is one of seven armed groups that announced last month the formation of a joint alliance. That alliance has stated its goal is to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Oromiya has experienced persistent conflict in recent years. The region sits at the center of a broader pattern of ethnic and political violence that has destabilized parts of Ethiopia. The latest attacks add to growing concerns about the safety of religious communities in the area.
So far, no group has formally claimed responsibility for either attack. Ethiopian federal authorities have not yet issued a public statement on the killings in Oromiya.
