Ref # FANA_2026_00033_A
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2026
“BRUTAL AND MERCILESS MASSACRES”: FANA CONDEMNS THE REPORTED KILLING OF 60 ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS IN ARSI, OROMIA, AND CALLS FOR AN INDEPENDENT INTERNATIONAL INVESTIGATION
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church reports that 60 people were killed (14 on October 20 and 46 on October 24) in two attacks in the Arsi Zone. FANA urges the United Nations, the African Union, the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom to act now to protect civilians and ensure impartial accountability.
The Federation of Amharas in North America (FANA) strongly condemns the reported killing of at least 60 Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christians in two attacks in the Arsi Zone of the Oromia Region, Ethiopia, and extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the Church, and all affected residents.
According to the Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, citing the Arsi Diocese office, 14 people were killed on October 20 at Gora Silingo in Angada Kebele, Merti Woreda, and 46 were killed on October 24 in the Tereta, Chole, and Birbo areas of Shirka district. The Synod also reports that more than 20 people were seriously injured and 20 homes were burned. The Synod called the attacks “brutal and merciless massacres” and a grave violation of the constitutional rights to life and religious freedom. Residents who spoke to The Abay Times on October 25 described children, women, and elderly people among the dead.
These killings follow earlier violence. BBC Amharic reported on October 20 that at least six people were killed and five abducted in Shirka and Honkolo Wabe between October 12 and 17, according to local sources. The Amhara Association of America (AAA), in its October 26 statement, documents a widening pattern of attacks on civilians and religious communities across Oromia and Amhara.
No group has claimed responsibility. An Oromia regional government spokesperson has blamed the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) without presenting evidence, and the OLA has previously denied targeting civilians. Communications blackouts continue to limit independent verification. For these reasons, FANA does not assign blame. FANA demands an impartial investigation that establishes the facts, identifies those responsible based on evidence, and determines whether authorities took adequate steps to protect these communities despite repeated warnings. Whoever is responsible, whether state forces, armed groups, or militias, must be held accountable.
FANA’s Call to the International Community
To the United Nations Human Rights Council and OHCHR: Support an independent investigation into the Merti and Shirka killings and the wider pattern of attacks on civilians and places of worship in Oromia, with full access to the affected areas.
To the African Union and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights: Press for civilian protection, credible human rights monitoring, and accountability for every perpetrator.
To the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, and other international partners: Raise these killings directly with Ethiopian authorities and condition assistance on measurable civilian protection. Members of the United States Congress, including the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee, should request a State Department briefing on the Arsi attacks and apply the Leahy Law to any units found implicated in abuses.
To the Ethiopian federal and Oromia regional authorities: Protect vulnerable communities, preserve evidence, safeguard witnesses, and investigate transparently. Restore communications so independent monitors and journalists can report. Prosecute those found responsible through fair legal proceedings.
To humanitarian agencies and the international media: Assess needs and deliver medical care, food, shelter, and clean water to the injured and displaced, and verify casualty figures and seek responses from all parties.
The right to life and freedom of religion must be guaranteed to every Ethiopian, regardless of ethnicity or faith. Seeking justice for these victims must never become a basis for collective blame against any ethnic or religious community. The Church has asked the government to condemn these killings publicly and protect its people. The international community must support that call before more lives are lost.
Federation of Amharas in North America (FANA)
About FANA: The Federation of Amharas in North America is a nonprofit dedicated to human rights advocacy and the protection of vulnerable communities in Ethiopia, particularly the Amhara community.
Primary sources: EOTC Holy Synod statement via Borkena (Oct 26, 2026); Al Jazeera and Anadolu (Oct 27, 2026); AP via ABC News (Oct 27, 2026); The Abay Times (Oct 25, 2026); BBC Amharic (Oct 20, 2026); AAA statement (Oct 26, 2026). Casualty figures are as reported by the Church and have not been independently verified.