Addis Ababa: More than 40 civilians were killed and hundreds of homes including churches destroyed in attacks targeting Orthodox Christian communities in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, according to residents and local sources.
Witnesses and local sources told Horn Frequency that the attacks occurred in several localities in the Arsi area, including Aseko Woreda in East Arsi Zone. Residents said more than 40 Orthodox Christian civilians were killed, nearly 250 homes were burned, and a century old church was destroyed.
According to residents, local communities had repeatedly appealed to woreda, zonal and regional authorities for protection before the attacks but received no effective security response. Residents also alleged that legally registered firearms had been confiscated in several rounds of government led disarmament operations, leaving communities vulnerable to attack.
Witnesses said the violence began on May 31 and affected multiple locations, including Zedibu, Dire and surrounding areas.
The area witnessed similar violence less than two months ago. Following those incidents, authorities established an investigative task force that included members of the Ethiopian InterReligious Council. However, the findings of that investigation were met with criticism and questions over their credibility from some community members and observers.
A trusted source told Horn Frequency that the perpetrators may have links to the East African militant group Al-Shabaab and were allegedly supported by local government structures. Horn Frequency could not independently verify the claim.
The Oromia regional government, however, attributed the attack to the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), also known as OLA-Shene, which the federal government has designated as a terrorist organization.
Horn Frequency was unable to independently verify casualty figures or determine responsibility for the attacks.
