At least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in separate attacks on October 20 and 24 in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, with more than 20 others seriously wounded and 20 homes burned down, church officials said in a statement late on Monday.
“We have heard with deep sorrow the report submitted by the Diocese Office,” the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s Holy Synod said, describing the killings as “extremely tragic cruelty and suffering inflicted on our citizens”.
The church said 14 people were killed on October 20 in Gora Silingo, Angada Kebele, in Merti district, while another 46 were killed on October 24 in Tereta, Chole and Birbo in Shirka district.
Both districts are located in the Arsi Zone of central Ethiopia’s Oromia region.
The Holy 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.
The church also urged security agencies to provide additional protection to affected communities and take preventive measures against further violence.
The Oromia regional government has pledged to pursue those responsible for the killings.
According to local media reports, a local official accused a newly formed rebel alliance that includes the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) of carrying out the attacks. The OLA has previously denied allegations of targeting civilians.
The killings come amid continuing insecurity in Oromia, Ethiopia’s largest regional state, where government forces have been battling armed groups for years.
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.
