Dozens killed in attack on Ethiopian Orthodox Christians

More than 40 people were killed in an attack on Orthodox Christian churches and homes in Ethiopia's central state of Oromia on Saturday, residents and a conflict monitor told AFP on Monday.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s holy synod on Monday described the killings as “tragic cruelty", saying in a statement released on Monday, “We have heard with deep sorrow the report submitted by the Diocese Office.”

"We are deeply shocked by these tragic killings and are appealing to the government to intervene and restore security," said a deacon of one of the attacked churches, who put the death toll at 46.

Some locals have taken refuge in nearby churches, he added.

Long-running insurgency

Oromia, Ethiopia's largest state with some 40 million people, has faced a long-running insurgency and ethnic tensions between communities, which have been increasingly exploited by armed groups.

The Holy Synod said, describing the killings as “extremely tragic cruelty and suffering inflicted on our citizens.”

Residents and the ACLED conflict monitor told AFP that at least 43 people were killed and 18 wounded when an unidentified armed group attacked villages in the Shirka district of Oromia, around 270 kilometres (170 miles) south of the capital, Addis Ababa.

The Synod condemned the killings, saying the violence violated constitutional protections for life and religious freedom and threatened Ethiopia’s tradition of peaceful coexistence among different faiths.

It called on government institutions to publicly condemn the attacks, strengthen civilian protection and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

ACLED said the attack led to clashes with local militias and lasted through Saturday afternoon and evening.

Other reactions

The state-run Ethiopia Human Rights Commission said it was "following the situation".

ACLED has recorded increasing attacks against Orthodox Christians in the region, starting in February 2023 and escalating since last year.

Ethiopia in the Horn of Africa is facing multiple internal conflicts, including heavy fighting that broke out last month in its northern Tigray state.

In July, the Ethiopian Human Rights Council reported that at least 432 civilians and four local militia members had been killed in targeted attacks across East Arsi between 2021/2022 and June 1.

The Holy Synod said it would seek discussions with senior government officials to address the security crisis.

It also announced prayers for the victims on Monday and directed Orthodox churches and monasteries worldwide to hold similar services on Tuesday, following the Divine Liturgy.

The church expressed condolences to the bereaved families and called for urgent measures to ensure its followers could live and worship without fear.