Dozens killed in attack on Ethiopian Orthodox Christians
Oromia has faced a long-running insurgency and ethnic tensions between its Muslim, Protestant and Orthodox communities, which have been increasingly exploited by armed groups.
On Saturday, an attack on Orthodox Christian churches and homes in Ethiopia's central state of Oromia resulted in over 40 fatalities, according to residents and a conflict monitor. Oromia, the nation's largest state with a population of approximately 40 million, has been grappling with an ongoing insurgency and ethnic tensions among its Muslim, Protestant, and Orthodox communities. These divisions have been exploited by armed groups, according to the conflict monitor.
The attack, which targeted Orthodox Christians and led to clashes with local militias, claimed at least 43 lives and left 18 wounded, according to local residents and the ACLED conflict monitor. The violence reportedly lasted through Saturday afternoon and evening. The exact number of casualties varied among witnesses, with one resident claiming 44 deaths and another reporting 51.
ACLED has noted a rise in attacks against Orthodox Christians in the region since February 2023, with the violence intensifying in the previous year.
Ethiopia, a deeply fragmented nation in the Horn of Africa, is experiencing multiple internal conflicts, including recent heavy fighting in the northern Tigray state. While concerns over political and ethnic representation have primarily driven the insurgency, religion has also been employed to mobilize fighters. A deacon of one of the attacked churches expressed shock at the tragedy and called on the government to intervene and restore security. Some locals have sought refuge in nearby churches in the wake of the attack.
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