At Least 20 Amhara Civilians Killed, Thousands Displaced in Ethiopia’s East Wollega

Source: African Press Agency (APA)

At least 20 members of Ethiopia’s Amhara ethnic community have reportedly been killed and thousands forced to flee their homes following what has been described as a coordinated attack on civilians in East Wollega Zone of Ethiopia’s Oromia Region.

According to a report by the African Press Agency (APA), the violence has been linked to the Geda Commando, a security force operating under the command of the Oromia Regional Government. The report alleges that the attacks targeted Amhara civilians across parts of East Wollega. Among those reportedly killed was Qomos Aba Tadesse, an Ethiopian Orthodox Church archpriest serving at Andodie Selassie Church in Gida Ayana District.

APA reported that Qomos Aba Tadesse had been detained together with several other priests before he was allegedly shot dead by members of the Geda Commando. Video footage circulating on social media reportedly shows the priest being abused while in the custody of the commandos, followed by images said to show his body.

Other footage circulating online purportedly shows organised groups moving from house to house and setting buildings on fire in the district, adding to fears among residents and contributing to the displacement of civilians.

The report described the violence as involving alleged ethnic cleansing against the Amhara civilian population in East Wollega. Thousands of residents are said to have fled their homes amid the attacks and continuing insecurity.

APA further reported that the civilians targeted in the alleged attacks were not involved in military operations conducted by Fano fighters, an armed group engaged in an insurgency against the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) in the Amhara Region.

The allegations come amid Ethiopia's broader security challenges, where armed conflicts, ethnic tensions and political disputes have continued to affect civilian populations in several parts of the country.

The reports of killings and displacement have yet to be independently verified, and the allegations against the Geda Commando should be understood in the context of the information attributed to APA and footage circulating on social media. Further investigation and independent verification will be necessary to establish the full circumstances surrounding the reported deaths and displacement.