@AdanechAbiebie A black & tragic day for Christians as 13 Orthodox Christians were killed yday alone in Arsi, Oromia, 🇪🇹 with hundreds fled & churches burned. This targeted massacre continues under Ethiopia govt’ inaction & int’l community silence. @OrthodoxyNews@hrw@Pontifex#Howmuchlonger
Yday alone, on the day of the sham election, the name Akeldama echoes with tragedy in Arsi, Oromia, 🇪🇹 where 13 Orthodox Christians were killed & hundreds fled to save their lives. The blood of the innocent cries out for justice, as Abel’s did. @OrthodoxyNews@AP#Howmuchlonger
OLA and Shene may be similar in their ultimate objective but are different.But
👉🏽Shene is the one established by @AbiyAhmedAli and his allies to kill and displace Amharas from Oromia under the guise of “armed militants” for the purpose of deniability.
👉🏽 The glaring evidence is that whenever the killings take place the local and federal officials(all Oromo) in tandem are super diligent in egregious cover up than taking responsibility for failing to protect those citizens. In eight years this has been exhibited over and over and over again.
👉🏽 The killings have continued unabated and the number of victims is ever increasing b/c it’s being done with a “time is running out” kind of urgency due to the fact that behind the veil the PP party is on the verge of collapse.
@OrthodoxyNews Yday alone, on the day of the sham election, the name Akeldama echoes with tragedy in Arsi, Oromia, 🇪🇹 where 13 Orthodox Christians were killed & hundreds fled to save their lives. The blood of the innocent cries out for justice, as Abel’s did. @OrthodoxyNews@AP@hrw@mospat_ru
A black & tragic day for Christians as 13 Orthodox Christians were killed yday alone in Arsi, Oromia, 🇪🇹 with hundreds fled & churches burned. This targeted massacre continues under Ethiopia govt’ inaction & int’l community silence. @OrthodoxyNews@hrw@Pontifex@mospat_ru@AP
🚨 Regional security forces known as “Ripe Lola” sent to stop the attack in Asko Woreda reportedly blocked civilian aid from entering the area
@MeseretMedia – June 2, 2026
New information emerging following the large-scale attacks against followers of the Orthodox faith and churches in Asko Woreda of East Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, indicates that government security forces who arrived in the area did not act to stop the attacks. Instead, they reportedly remained away from the conflict zone and prevented assistance from reaching the affected communities.
A regional government source told Meseret Media that, following public pressure generated through media coverage, the woreda administration deployed nearly one hundred security personnel known as “Ripe Lola” to the area.
“These forces remained at neighboring locations called Arba Qela and Burbuch, about 25 kilometers away from the attack zone. Together with woreda cadres, they slaughtered cattle and stayed there until around one o’clock in the evening without carrying out any military activity,” said the source, who requested anonymity.
The source further stated that members of the Christian community who came from nearby highland areas to assist civilians were prevented from passing by these security forces. Because the forces were reportedly better armed, they were able to physically block the roads and stop aid from reaching the victims. This has created significant concern and suspicion among local residents.
The attack, which began the previous day in Asko Woreda and was carried out in an organized manner, has so far reportedly claimed the lives of 49 people. There are also fears for more than 280 civilians whose whereabouts remain unknown, raising concerns that many may have been killed.
The attackers were identified as Shene militants. Although similar attacks had reportedly been carried out more than seven times previously in the Teleta Gebriel area, what distinguishes the current assault is that the militants allegedly gathered from Merti Woreda, Fentale, Karrayyu, and Itu areas, forming a force estimated at nearly 3,000 fighters before launching a large-scale offensive against Asko Woreda and surrounding areas.
As a result, Bio Kebele, Teleta Gebriel, Kufte, Medhanealem, and nearby localities have reportedly been completely devastated. The attacks have since expanded into Erecha Mikael, Sunte Maryam, Lencha Oda, Kwas Dire, Arba Qela, and Woranbus areas.
Residents, speaking with great alarm, stated that the militants have completely encircled the area and are carrying out massacres while preventing people from escaping.
Dozens of Orthodox Christians Reportedly Killed in Fresh Violence in Ethiopia’s Arsi Zone
At least 37 Orthodox Christian civilians have reportedly been killed in a new wave of violence in Ethiopia’s Arsi Zone of the Oromia region, according to church sources, raising fresh concerns over security and communal tensions in the area.
The attacks allegedly occurred in Tefa Kebele of Aleko Teleta District and began on the eve of Ethiopia’s general election, according to reports received by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Church officials say several other residents remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could increase.
The violence reportedly targeted multiple communities and religious sites. Among the most significant incidents was the destruction of St. Gabriel Church, a century-old Orthodox church that was reportedly burned to the ground. A letter sent by local church authorities to the Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarchate confirmed the destruction of the church and detailed the scale of the attacks.
According to church officials, more than 280 households were displaced after armed assailants attacked villages, burned homes, and forced residents to flee. Church authorities described the events as a large-scale assault that caused extensive human and material losses.
The attacks were also reported in several neighboring localities, including Zedibu, Erecha Michael, Sunte Mariam, Bogdo Abo, Lencho Ada, Jiso, and Dire kebeles. Residents and church representatives said homes, livestock, and other property were looted or destroyed during the violence.
In a separate incident, a facility used by Holy Saviour Church for religious activities and guest accommodation in Kore Kuftele was reportedly damaged.
Church sources said the attacks continued on election day and criticized what they described as a delayed security response from local authorities. However, government officials have not publicly commented on the latest allegations.
Abune Elsae, Archbishop of the Arsi and Somali Jigjiga dioceses, confirmed that attacks had taken place and submitted a report to the Patriarchate listing victims and documenting damage caused during the violence.
The latest incident follows a series of deadly attacks reported in parts of Arsi and other areas of Oromia in recent years. Church leaders and community representatives have repeatedly raised concerns over the security situation and called for stronger measures to protect civilians and religious institutions.
In March 2026, church sources reported that more than 30 Orthodox Christians were killed in a separate attack in Arsi, while hundreds of residents were displaced.
Federal and regional authorities have previously stated that security operations have significantly weakened armed groups operating in Oromia and rejected accusations that attacks are being carried out on the basis of religion or ethnicity.
The latest reports are likely to intensify calls for an independent investigation into recurring violence in the region and renewed efforts to ensure accountability for attacks against civilians.
Day 13:
No Solution to the Ongoing Violence Against Orthodox Christians in East Arsi, Oromia, Ethiopia
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By Father Ephrem Eshete Ephrem (@EphremKesis)
Date: November 9, 2025
Location: East Arsi, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
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Reports continue to emerge of ongoing attacks targeting Orthodox Christians in the East Arsi Zone and surrounding areas of the Oromia Region.
** Although incidents of religiously motivated violence against the Orthodox Christians have reportedly occurred for years, national attention intensified following the October 28, 2025 (Tikimt 18, 2018 E.C.) report released by Mahbere Kidusan Media, which brought renewed focus to the crisis.
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Public Outcry Over Continued Violence
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Faith leaders, human rights advocates, and members of the public have expressed deep concern about the lack of response from both federal and regional authorities: “Why are you silent while Christians are being massacred? The world is watching,” one statement read, echoing the growing frustration among communities affected by the attacks.
Government Silence and Alleged Media Suppression
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As of this report, neither the Federal Government of Ethiopia nor the Oromia Regional Administration has issued an official statement addressing the ongoing situation.
Authorities have not taken visible steps to stop the violence or to investigate the reported killings.
Furthermore, certain local media outlets broadcasting in Afan Oromo have spread false reports suggesting the region is peaceful, allegedly as part of efforts to downplay or conceal the ongoing crisis. (Screenshots are attached)
Calls for Investigation and Accountability
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Religious organizations, civil society groups, and human rights observers must call on the Ethiopian government to:
- Launch a full and transparent investigation into the reported killings.
- Ensure protection for all citizens regardless of faith.
- Hold accountable those responsible for the attacks and for spreading misinformation.
- Allow accurate reporting on the situation.
Conclusion
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The situation in East Arsi remains tense. As reports of continued violence persist, the demand for decisive government action grows louder. We warn the government that its silence and inaction could deepen divisions, prolong suffering, and erode public trust in national and regional leadership.
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@USEmbassyAddis@StateDept
“Christians in Ethiopia are facing increasing persecution, particularly in the state of Oromia. In October alone, the region saw more than 25 Orthodox Christians killed in its East Arsi Zone. One attack in Honqolo Wabe (Siltana) Woreda left five people dead, reportedly from the same family” via @CatholicHerald