Nine killed in violent attack in Ethiopia's Oromia region
- Residents of the Arsi Zone in Oromia reported that at least nine people were killed during a recent attack.
- The attack has been attributed to the Oromo Liberation Army, although the group denies involvement.
- This incident reflects the ongoing violence and insecurity in the region, leaving local community members fearful and demanding government protection.
On a Thursday in late November 2024, a violent attack occurred in the Arsi Zone of the Oromia region of Ethiopia, leading to the deaths of at least nine individuals. The zone, known for its agricultural activities, has recently been plagued by increasing violence attributed to ongoing conflicts in the area. Residents reported that among those killed was Haile Workineh, a victim whose brother described the incident as a terrifying situation, during which the attackers, armed with rifles, instilled fear in the local population. In addition to the deceased, four other individuals were reported missing after the attack. Witnesses indicated that many of the victims were Christians, heightening the communal tensions in a region already fraught with strife. The attack has been blamed on the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), an outlawed rebel group engaged in conflict with the Ethiopian government. Jiregna Gudeta, an adviser to the OLA commander, asserted that the group had no involvement in the incident, yet residents expressed distrust towards local authorities for their perceived inaction in protecting civilians. The aftermath of the attack has led to distress among the community, who fear further violence without adequate governmental protection. In November, coinciding with social unrest, peace rallies were held across six zones within the Oromia region, where participants condemned the OLA’s activities and demanded stability in the area. Nonetheless, Oromia regional authorities have been largely silent, not publicly commenting on the incidents. The region's spokesperson has indicated that these rallies were organized by local communities independently, without government involvement—a reflection of the rising frustrations among the populace regarding safety and security issues. Last year, attempts at peace talks between the Ethiopian federal government and the OLA in Zanzibar failed to bring any resolution to the ongoing violence, with each party attributing the failure to the other's unreasonable demands. As the violence continues unabated, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, complicating any potential path towards peace in the region. The pattern of violence, coupled with the failure of local and federal authorities to mitigate these occurrences, has perpetuated a climate of fear and uncertainty within the Arsi Zone and surrounding areas.