The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has strongly condemned a brutal attack in the Arsi zone of Ethiopia’s Oromia region that left 60 civilians dead and scores injured, calling for immediate government protection and accountability.
The massacre, which took place in the Merti and Sherka districts, also resulted in the destruction of 20 homes and left over 20 individuals hospitalized with severe injuries. The Holy Synod expressed profound grief over the violence targeting innocent believers and urged state authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.
In response to the escalating security concerns, church leaders have issued a direct appeal for enhanced protection from security forces to prevent further violence against vulnerable communities. The Synod emphasized that local residents require immediate and sustained government intervention to ensure their fundamental safety and stability.
To honor the victims, memorial prayer services—known as Tselote Fithaht—commenced today at the Entoto Maryam Monastery and are scheduled to expand tomorrow to all dioceses and monasteries worldwide. These solemn gatherings aim to provide spiritual solace for the bereaved families and unite the faithful in mourning.
Addressing the root causes of the violence, the Church announced plans to establish a dedicated investigative committee and initiate high-level dialogues with government officials. This committee will seek lasting solutions to prevent recurring communal conflicts and safeguard human rights across the region.
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