Ethiopian Orthodox Church reports 60 Christians killed in Oromia attacks
Two separate attacks in the Merti and Sherka districts resulted in the deaths of worshippers and destruction of homes.
At least 60 Christians were killed in two recent attacks in Ethiopia's Oromia region, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church announced Tuesday. The victims were all identified as Christians by religious authorities. The attacks occurred in Merti district on October 20, where 14 worshippers died, and in Sherka district on October 24, with 46 fatalities.
The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church reported that over 20 homes were burned and more than 20 individuals were hospitalised with severe injuries. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) stated the violence on October 24 was believed to be religiously motivated and targeted Orthodox Christians, noting the reported looting of an Orthodox church.
ACLED indicated that attacks against Orthodox Christians in Oromia have risen since February 2023, with violence escalating over the past year. Oromia is Ethiopia's largest region, home to approximately 40 million people, and has experienced ongoing insurgency and ethnic tensions.
Why it mattersAt least 60 Christians were killed in attacks in Ethiopia's Oromia region.