Orthodox Christians killed in spate of attacks in Ethiopia

Two attacks by extremists have shocked a community in the Oromia region of Ethiopia at the end of February. Almost 30 believers have been killed. Please pray.

On 26 February, extremists stormed a market in the east Arsi Zone of the Oromia Region in Ethiopia, opening fire on citizens. Twenty Orthodox Christians were killed, as well as one Muslim guard, whilst some have disappeared – likely kidnapped. Local sources report that a priest was amongst those killed when the attackers entered a church shouting religious chants before shooting at those inside. The assailants moved on to set fire to homes and crops, causing panic to spread and many residents to flee to nearby towns for refuge.

In what is described by locals as a historically peaceful area with a blend of Muslims and Orthodox Christians, the attack took inhabitants by surprise. But the assault did not come alone – two days later, on 28 February, more attackers struck the community once again, killing seven people inside a church. It is unclear as to whether the perpetrators of each attack are from the same group, but the effect was the same.

Growing tensions

Despite the suddenness of the attacks, tensions have been accumulating between different groups within the community according to local members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC). Factors may include authorities encouraging Muslim settlement and offering Muslim citizens government employment over Orthodox believers. Along with this, increased insecurity has left inhabitants feeling vulnerable – a sentiment compounded by the two attacks of late February.

Beyond such tensions, an unsettling pattern is emerging from recent incidents according to Open Doors research. It indicates the targeted and organised nature of the attacks against Orthodox Christians specifically. Fikiru Mehari*, east Africa expert on persecution, says, “These incidents frequently involve attacks on church members and the deliberate targeting of church leaders. What concerns us is that this violence exploits a significant weakness – the lack of effective law enforcement in the region. With state protection minimal, these Orthodox communities become severely vulnerable.”

“We are deeply concerned about these developments in the Oromia region of Ethiopia,” says Jo Newhouse*, spokesperson for Open Doors work in sub-Saharan Africa. “Not only are people displaced as a result of the attacks, but also likely severely traumatised. These Orthodox and Muslim communities have lived in relative peace alongside each other for years, and from our experience, these attacks can erode the social cohesion and peace that is necessary for communities to thrive.

“We urge the Ethiopian government on every level to do everything in its power to protect vulnerable communities in Oromia and ensure that those who are responsible are held accountable. These attacks also have a spiritual impact on Christians and church leaders,” she adds, “knowing that your faith puts a target on you and your family’s back. We ask the global church to join us in praying for the affected communities.”

Stand with them

Please continue to lift before the Lord our brothers and sisters facing violence and persecution in sub-Saharan Africa. The Arise Africa petition has almost reached the halfway mark in its target of a million signatures worldwide. Sign and share now to join with the voice of our persecuted brothers and sisters advocating for justice and restoration across sub-Saharan Africa.

*Names changed for security reasons