Recent Attacks on Christians in Ethiopia

Two separate armed attacks in Ethiopia, one occurring on October 20 and the other on October 24, have resulted in the deaths of 60 Christians and the destruction of 20 homes.

A report indicated that “14 people were killed in Merti district” on the 20th, followed by another “46… [who] were killed in Shirka district four days later.”

Additionally, over 20 individuals sustained injuries, and numerous homes were burned.

A church official described the incidents in Shirka district as a “massacre,” emphasizing that security forces responded but were unable to prevent the violence.

Rising concerns regarding the safety of Christian communities have been previously communicated to authorities, yet the Orthodox Church noted that “So far there has been no solution.”

During the Holy Synod’s plenary assembly in Addis Ababa, Orthodox bishops voiced their condemnation of the violence inflicted upon Christians, labeling it a “reprehensible, inhumane deed.”

The Synod characterized the acts as “completely unacceptable” under any religious teachings or human rights principles, claiming they violate constitutional rights to religious freedom and life, contradict moral standards, and undermine national values of coexistence.

Local officials attributed the attacks to a newly formed rebel group known as the Alliance for Survival, which includes the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). The OLA has not officially responded, although they have denied involvement in similar attacks in the past.