At least 60 Christians killed in Ethiopia following two massacres
Deaths and damage reported
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s Holy Synod said two attacks in central Ethiopia killed at least 60 Orthodox Christians. It described the incidents as massacres and said more than 20 people were seriously wounded.
Regional officials blame rebels
Oromia regional government spokesperson Hailu Adugna accused the Oromo Liberation Army and its allies of seeking to inflame ethnic and religious tensions. He said they were trying to draw attention away from military losses.
Adugna expressed sorrow for those killed and for the destruction, and said regional authorities had begun acting against those responsible. He also pledged support for people injured or displaced. The OLA could not be reached for comment.
Conflict and allegations of abuse
UN investigators have previously accused the OLA of killings, rape and kidnappings. Human rights monitors have also recorded alleged abuses by government forces, including drone strikes described as indiscriminate, extrajudicial killings and disappearances.
Key points
- The church said at least 60 Orthodox Christians died in two attacks in central Ethiopia.
- The church gave differing counts for homes burned: more than 20 in one account and 20 in another.
- Oromia spokesperson Hailu Adugna blamed the OLA, which could not be reached for comment.
- Rights monitors and investigators have reported abuses by both the OLA and government forces.