Ethiopian Orthodox Church Condemns Demolition of Jigjiga Medhanealem Church

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has condemned the recent demolition of the Medhanealem Church in Jigjiga, the capital of the Somali Regional State. According to a statement from the Somali Diocese, an organized group carried out the complete destruction of the religious site. Video footage shared on the diocese’s official social media channels shows the church in ruins, with no signs of prior damage. Church officials confirmed that the perpetrators remain unidentified but were acting in a coordinated manner.

The diocese has called on regional security agencies and local authorities to take urgent action, restore public order, and apprehend those responsible. This incident adds to a pattern of attacks on the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, particularly in the Oromia region, where the community has faced repeated acts of vandalism and violence over the years. The destruction of the Medhanealem Church is described as a severe violation of religious rights and a threat to the country’s tradition of interfaith tolerance.

Church leaders emphasized that the attack represents a broader escalation of security threats against religious institutions. Historical sites, monasteries, and places of worship have been targeted with increasing frequency, alongside reports of displacement and violence against clergy and congregants. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has reaffirmed its commitment to non-violence and endurance, urging federal and regional authorities to protect religious institutions and uphold the constitutional right to worship freely.

The incident has sparked calls for greater accountability and transparency. While the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has issued statements condemning the act, some voices have questioned the involvement of specific groups, such as remnants of the WSLF, in the attack. These concerns highlight the complex security landscape in the region and the need for independent investigations to determine the full scope of the incident.

The destruction of the Medhanealem Church is not an isolated event. In August 2018, during a conflict between the federal government and the Somali regional administration, Jigjiga experienced widespread violence. Orthodox churches were specifically targeted, with at least eight churches burned and several priests killed. Human Rights Watch and the U.S. State Department documented attacks by armed groups and elements of the Liyu Police, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by religious communities in the area.

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