The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission has called for urgent measures from the federal and Oromia state governments to address violence in the region after recent attacks led to civilian casualties.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has issued a statement urging both the federal government and Oromia Regional State authorities to take swift and effective action in response to a series of violent attacks in the Arsi Zone, where up to 30 civilians have been killed. This plea comes in light of the worsening security situation in the region, which had shown signs of improvement but has dramatically escalated in violence since October 2025. The Commission emphasized the urgent need to address killings, injuries, widespread property damage, and the displacement of local residents due to ongoing assaults, particularly linked to the Oromo Liberation Army.
In its call to action, the EHRC highlighted a previous warning it issued in December 2023, where it urged for proactive measures to be taken regarding the human rights violations affecting the residents of Arsi Zone. Despite earlier efforts to improve safety in the area, the recurring outbreaks of violence have rendered the situation critical, necessitating a more robust governmental response. The Commission collected testimonies from victims' families, local inhabitants, and officials to underscore the urgency of the directive.
The ramifications of this pattern of violence extend beyond immediate casualties and displacement, posing serious challenges to governance, human rights, and community stability in the Oromia Region. The EHRC's statements call attention to the ongoing struggles faced by the people in Arsi Zone and signal the need for comprehensive strategies to ensure peace and security, alongside accountability for those responsible for the violence.
