Ethiopian Orthodox Church urges government action after 60 Christians killed in attacks

In a statement delivered on October 26 at the opening of the Holy Synod’s plenary assembly in Addis Ababa, the Church’s bishops condemned the killings, describing them as inhumane acts that violate religious freedom, human rights and Ethiopia’s values of peaceful coexistence.

The attacks occurred in rural farming communities approximately 120 miles south of Addis Ababa. According to the Holy Synod, 14 people were killed in the northern district of Merti on October 20, while a second attack on October 24 claimed 46 lives across several villages in neighbouring Shirka district.

More than 20 people were reportedly seriously injured and hospitalised, while 20 homes were burned down during the violence.

According to the media, government officials have blamed the attacks on a newly formed rebel alliance known as the Alliance for Survival, which reportedly includes the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), an armed opposition group. The OLA has not commented on the latest attacks but has previously denied responsibility for similar incidents.

Although the Orthodox Church did not identify those behind the killings, its bishops warned that massacres, displacement and attacks on Orthodox Christians and their property in Arsi and other parts of Ethiopia had been increasing.

The Holy Synod urged the authorities to publicly condemn the violence, deploy security forces to affected communities and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

The bishops also called for sustained security operations to prevent further attacks and protect Orthodox Christians wherever they live.

Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life, the Church stressed that the government must take urgent action to ensure the safety of worshippers and prevent further bloodshed.

The Church warned that failure to protect vulnerable communities could lead to further bloodshed, deepen fear among the faithful and threaten peaceful coexistence across the country. It called on the government to move beyond condemnation and take decisive action to restore security, protect innocent civilians and ensure justice for the victims. For the families who have lost loved ones, the urgent priority is accountability and the assurance that such deadly attacks will not be allowed to continue unchecked.