The death toll from a recent wave of violence in Ethiopia’s East Arsi Zone has risen to at least 34 Orthodox Christian civilians, according to diocesan reports from the Sherka and Merti districts of Oromia Region. Eight others are hospitalized with serious injuries, eight remain missing, and two have been confirmed abducted amid the four‑day spike in violence.
The renewed killings are part of a broader pattern of attacks that have destabilized the Arsi Zone over recent months. Local church sources say that at least 164 Orthodox Christians were killed in Sherka alone prior to this week’s escalation, underscoring persistent insecurity and fear among religious communities.
The Ethiopian government has blamed the violence on the militant Oromo Liberation Army, also referred to by authorities as “Oneg Shene.” However, the OLA has counter‑accused Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration of using proxies to foment inter‑religious tensions and weaken opposition.
In response, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission has called on federal and regional authorities to strengthen security, provide humanitarian assistance to displaced civilians, and pursue accountability for human rights violations. The Commission highlighted that recent attacks have caused deaths, injuries, abductions, displacement, and extensive property damage.
Religious leaders, including the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, have condemned the killings and urged urgent government action to protect vulnerable communities and uphold constitutional rights.