Largest Oriental Orthodox church in Ethiopia, historic cradle of African Christianity
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.