Attacks kill at least 60 Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia, church says
Summary
At least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in two attacks in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, the Orthodox Church said, as authorities blamed the Oromo Liberation Army. The church urged protection for civilians and justice for those responsible amid ongoing violence in the region.
Key Points
- The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church said 14 people were killed in Merti district on Oct. 20 and 46 more in Shirka district on Oct. 24.
- Oromia regional government spokesperson Hailu Adugna blamed the Oromo Liberation Army for the attacks and said authorities had begun taking action.
- The church described the killings as brutal massacres and called on authorities to condemn the violence and protect civilians.
- Oromia has faced conflict between government forces and the OLA since 2018, with civilians regularly exposed to killings, extortion and kidnapping.
