More than 40 killed in attacks on Ethiopian churches

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 07:19 · Archive

More than 40 people were killed in attacks on Orthodox Christian churches in Ethiopia's Oromia region.

More than 40 people were killed in attacks on Orthodox Christian churches and villages in Ethiopia's Oromia region, the country's largest state. Al Jazeera reports that at least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in separate attacks on 20 and 24 October. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church's holy synod described the killings as 'extremely tragic cruelty and suffering inflicted on our citizens'.

The church said 14 people were killed on 20 October in Gora Silingo, Angada Kebele in Merti district, whilst 46 were killed on 24 October in the villages of Tereta, Chole and Birbo in Shirka district. More than 20 people were seriously injured and 20 homes burned down. The holy synod condemned the killings as violations of constitutional protections for life and religious freedom, calling on government institutions to publicly condemn the attacks and strengthen civilian protection.

A local official accused a newly formed rebel alliance that includes the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) of carrying out the attacks. The OLA has previously denied allegations of attacking civilians. The Oromia regional government pledged to pursue those responsible. Oromia has faced long-running insurgency and ethnic tensions, with armed groups using religion to inflame divisions. The state is home to around 40 million people and a mix of Muslim, Protestant and Orthodox communities.

How it is being reported

• Sixty Christians killed in Ethiopia’s Oromia regionChurch officials say more than 20 people have been injured, while 20 homes have burned down as religious tensions flare.Al Jazeera · 27 Oct, 06:49
• Massacre of Christians leaves more than 40 dead in EthiopiaOromia, Ethiopia's largest state, has faced a long-running insurgency and ethnic tensions, with armed groups using religion to inflame divisions.Daily Mail · 26 Oct, 14:36

In this story: Ethiopia · Oromia · Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church · Oromo Liberation Army · Shirka district · Merti district

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem