The opposition party calls for an independent international investigation following a surge of violence targeting civilians and Orthodox Tewahedo believers
By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — The Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP) has issued a statement condemning recurring killings, forced abductions, and mass displacement targeting Orthodox Tewahedo believers and civilians across the Shirka and Honkolo Wabe woredas in the Arsi Zone of the Oromia Region.
According to Addis Maleda, an official statement released on October 17, 2026, questioned the federal and regional governments’ inability or unwillingness to halt the escalating violence, raising concerns over structural negligence amid persistent security breakdowns. The opposition party urged human rights advocates and international organizations to address the humanitarian crisis.
Citing specific incidents, the EPRP stated that farmer Getu Asefa was killed on October 9, 2026, while working in his field in Shirka Woreda. A subsequent violent raid in Hela Zenbaba Kebele resulted in the deaths of Zewde Habte and Asrasu Tesfaye, the injury of Qeshi Nardos Asefa, and the abduction of multiple residents. The party also detailed an October 12 attack in neighboring Honkolo Wabe Woreda, where Zenebe Negash, Samuel Wale, and Biruh Abera were killed, and nearly 50 civilians were abducted.
Characterizing the ongoing state inaction as a structural failure, the EPRP called for an immediate cessation of violence, the prompt release of all captives, and an independent international investigation to hold perpetrators accountable. The party further demanded urgent humanitarian assistance and safe returns for displaced populations, emphasizing that protecting human life and religious freedom must supersede political interests.
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