At least 60 people were killed in two separate attacks in Ethiopia's conflict-hit Oromiya region in the past week, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church said.
At least 60 people were killed in two separate attacks in Ethiopia’s conflict-hit Oromiya region in the past week, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church said. Church authorities said the dead were all Christians, but did not say how they died or who was behind the attacks.
The Holy Synod said the attacks took place in two districts of Oromia’s Arsi Zone on October 20 and 24, and that more than 20 others were severely injured and 20 homes were burned down. In a statement issued on Monday, the church condemned the attacks as violations of the constitutional rights to life and freedom of religion.
Responsibility for the killings is disputed. The Oromiya regional government and a source linked to a rebel alliance fighting government forces in Tigray traded blame.
The regional government said the alliance launched the attacks to try to spark religious conflict, but gave no evidence.
The source linked to the alliance said the regional government carried out the killings, citing conversations with two residents.
The Oromo Liberation Army, which the regional government has blamed for previous attacks on Orthodox Christians, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A resident whose 75-year-old father was killed described the attack as an ambush, telling BBC Amharic that attackers surrounded residents from all four directions.
The church said attacks on Christians have been increasing, that it has repeatedly raised insecurity concerns with authorities at different levels, and that there has been no solution so far.
It also called for protection and justice, and directed churches and monasteries worldwide to hold prayers on Tuesday, October 27.
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