EHRC Speaking Out On The Massacre of Orthodox Christians 

Borkena

Toronto – State-funded Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is finally speaking out on the massacre Ethiopian Orthodox Christians in East Arsi Zone of Oromia regional state. 

The commission released a statement on Wednesday saying “Oneg Shene” (a reference to the group that calls itself Oromo Liberation Army) has been committing attacks since October last year in Sherka, Guna, Merti, Asko and Onqole Wabe districts. 

It confirmed that there have been losses of lives and damage to property. Many have been displaced because of fear for security. To support its claim, the commission made a reference to information received from residents, from the meetings with families of the victims and government officials in the zone.

While the commission also made a reference to the latest killings in Sherka district, Jawi and Robe kebeles, it did not specify the number of casualties. 

As reported by Borkena this week, based on sources close to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and information from residents in the area, the death toll from the latest massacre has reached 34. Since November this year, 154 followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church have been killed in the zone. 

The recurring attacks in the area on civilians – killings, looting, burning of properties and residents’ fear for security – “has  complicated the peace and security situation and the day-to-day life of residents,” EHRC noted in its statement. 

Berhanu Adelo, the commissioner, called on the federal government and Oromia regional state to deploy adequate security forces in the areas where there had been recurring attacks and areas where there is fear for security. 

He also called for the government, with support from other stake holders, to provide emergency humanitarian aid for those displaced because of the security situation in the area. 

Earlier this week, the Holy Synod of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church  released a statement calling for the government to protect the constitutional rights of Ethiopians to live and work in any part of the country and protect their rights to worship. 

Similarly, Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council on Sunday called for the government to identify perpetrators of the attack and hold them accountable. 

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