At least 60 Orthodox Christians died in two attacks in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church said, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera reports published on October 27. The church urged stronger protection for civilians and action against those responsible. The reported toll covers violence on October 20 and 24, rather than a new attack on Tuesday.
The Holy Synod said 14 people were killed in Merti district and another 46 in Shirka district, both in the Arsi area. More than 20 people suffered serious injuries, and homes were burned, according to the church’s statement issued on Monday. The church did not identify the attackers or establish how each victim died.
Responsibility remains disputed. Reuters reported that Oromia’s government blamed a rebel alliance, without providing evidence, while a source linked to that alliance accused regional authorities, citing conversations with two residents. The Oromo Liberation Army did not immediately answer Reuters’ request for comment. These competing accusations do not establish responsibility for the killings.
The violence follows earlier warnings about civilian safety in Arsi. In a March 4 statement, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission documented killings, injuries, property destruction and displacement following previous attacks. It urged federal and regional authorities to deploy adequate security forces and assist displaced families. That statement concerns earlier incidents, not an investigation into the October attacks.
Al Jazeera reported that the synod sought public condemnation of the killings, stronger security and prosecution of the perpetrators. It also planned discussions with senior government officials about the crisis. The regional government pledged to pursue those responsible. The church’s demands place civilian protection and accountability at the centre of its response as the identity of the attackers remains unresolved.
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