What's happened
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church reports at least 60 deaths across Merti and Shirka in Oromia’s Arsi Zone, with more than 20 wounded and homes burned. The Oromia regional government blames the Oromo Liberation Army, while Amnesty International and UN investigators have documented abuses by both sides. Authorities pledge action and relief for the displaced.
What's behind the headline?
Brief
- The religious minority in Oromia faces repeated attacks amid a broader insurgency. The Holy Synod’s toll aligns with prior reports of civilian harm in the region.
- The Alliance for Survival, which includes the OLA, is a key driver of the violence, complicating accountability as multiple actors are accused by different sources.
What’s Behind the Update
- This latest surge follows a pattern of attacks on Orthodox Christians in Shirka and Merti, intensifying calls for protective measures and credible investigations.
Forecast
- Without credible security guarantees, civilian displacement will rise and humanitarian needs will escalate, prompting further international scrutiny and potential sanctions or diplomatic pressure.
How we got here
Since 2018, Oromia has endured conflict involving the Oromo Liberation Army and government forces, with civilians repeatedly targeted. The Alliance for Survival includes multiple groups, complicating the security landscape. International human rights groups have documented abuses, complicating efforts to stabilize the region and protect religious communities.
Our analysis
Independent, AP News, All Africa, BBC Business, BBC Amharic, UN and Amnesty International reports cited in those outlets. Direct quotes from church statements and regional officials underscore the contested attribution of blame between authorities and OLA-aligned groups.
Go deeper
- What security measures are authorities implementing to protect civilians?
- Will international bodies pressure Addis Ababa to ensure safe access for aid workers?
- How might this affect the region’s already fragile humanitarian situation?
More on these topics
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Oromo Liberation Army - Armed movement in Ethiopia
The Oromo Liberation Army is an Oromo armed movement that split from the Oromo Liberation Front in 2018 following a peace deal in the context of the Oromo conflict.
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Abiy Ahmed Ali - Prime Minister of Ethiopia
Abiy Ahmed Ali is an Ethiopian politician serving as 4th Prime Minister of Ethiopia of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia since 2 April 2018.
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Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church - Church
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is the largest of Eastern Christianity's branch of Oriental Orthodox Christian churches.
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Amnesty International - Non-governmental organization
Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization with its headquarters in the United Kingdom focused on human rights. The organization says it has more than eight million members and supporters around the world.
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Ethiopia - Country in East Africa
Ethiopia, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a landlocked country in East Africa. It shares borders with Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south, South Sudan to the west and Sudan to
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Oromia Region - Regional state of Ethiopia
Oromia (Oromo: Oromiyaa, Amharic: ኦሮሚያ) is a regional state in Ethiopia and the homeland of the Oromo people. It is bordered by the Somali Region to the east; the Amhara Region, the Afar Region and the Benishangul-Gumuz Region to the north; Dire Dawa to the northeast; the South Sudanese state of Upper Nile, Gambela Region, South West Ethiopia Region, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region and Sidama Region to the west; the Eastern Province of Kenya to the south; as well as Addis Ababa as an enclave surrounded by a Special Zone in its centre and the Harari Region as an enclave surrounded by East Hararghe in its east. In August 2013, the Ethiopian Central Statistics Agency projected the 2017 population of Oromia as 35,467,001, making it the largest regional state by population. It is also the largest regional state, covering 353,690 square kilometres (136,560 sq mi).