Ethiopian Orthodox Leaders Urge Government Action After 60 Christians Killed in Attacks

The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has called for justice and protection following the killing of 60 Christians in two separate attacks. The bishops condemned the violence as a “reprehensible, inhumane deed,” emphasizing that it violates constitutional rights, religious principles, and shared national values of coexistence.

In a statement delivered at the start of the Synod’s plenary assembly in Addis Ababa on October 26, the leaders of the church expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and suffering endured by the victims. They described the attacks as a violation of the moral order and a threat to the safety of Orthodox communities across the nation.

The attacks occurred in rural farming communities within the Arsi Zone, approximately 120 miles south of Addis Ababa. On October 20, assailants killed 14 people in the northern district of Merti. A second attack on October 24 left 46 others dead across several villages in neighboring Shirka district. Over 20 individuals were severely injured and hospitalized, and 20 residential homes were destroyed in the violence.

Government officials have attributed the attacks to the Alliance for Survival, a newly formed rebel network that includes the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), an armed opposition group in Ethiopia. While OLA has not commented on the recent attacks, it has denied involvement in similar incidents in the past. Despite this, authorities have vowed to take action against those responsible for the violence.

The Orthodox bishops, though not naming specific perpetrators, warned of a pattern of escalating violence against Orthodox Christians in the Arsi Diocese and other regions. They urged the government to bring the attackers to justice, publicly condemn the attacks, and deploy security forces to protect vulnerable communities.

The Holy Synod emphasized the urgent need for security measures to prevent future attacks and safeguard the lives and property of Orthodox faithful. They called on security forces to prioritize this crisis, provide essential protection, and conduct preventive operations to avert further danger. The bishops expressed their sorrow over the loss of life and reiterated their commitment to the safety of their congregants.

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