Preliminary report on late August 2026 identity-based violence in East Wollega
- AAA-admin
- 37 minutes ago
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Disclaimer: AAA is a U.S. based NGO that documents human rights violations in the context of conflict, violence and political repression. One of AAA's core activities is also to educate policymakers, journalists, researchers and other stakeholders with up-to-date information on developments in Ethiopia. AAA does not endorse any political parties or organizations based in the U.S. or Ethiopia.
Updated September 1, 2026
Overview
The Amhara Association of America (AAA) has received reports and extensive footage highlighting severe human rights violations targeting civilians across districts in western zones of Ethiopia’s Oromia Regional State. The violations occurred amid ongoing armed conflict between Oromo Prosperity Party (OPP) regime allied forces and opposition forces led by the Amhara Fano National Movement (AFNM). According to available information, between August 18th and 29th, 2026 a coalition of regular and irregular forces affiliated to the OPP regime conducted widespread identity-based attacks on communities across various towns and rural neighborhoods of Gida-Ayana, Limu-Gelila and surrounding areas of East Wollega Zone (Oromia Region, Ethiopia). Based on preliminary accounts, over 68 civilians were confirmed killed, several others were injured and a significant number were displaced. The vast majority of victims were ethnic Amhara and/or followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) however numerous Tigrigna language speakers and followers of the Islamic faith were also among the victims. The casualty toll is expected to rise once remote/blockaded rural settlements are accounted for, therefore only partial casualties are summarized by locality/kebele as follows.
In the Central locality (Mender 22 Kebele), 23 civilians were killed, including church administrator Komos Aba Tadesse, multiple clergy members, monastics, and 85-year-old Aba Ayele Arega alongside his wife, Emahoy Eskedar Gelaw, who were both dismembered inside their home.
In Mender 3 Kebele, 21 civilians were killed in targeted sanctuary raids and household executions, claiming the lives of local monastics as well as ethnic Tigrayan residents, including Ato Kasai Bisrat and his entire immediate family.
In the Ali locality (Andode Kebele), 17 civilians were killed during raids on farmsteads and residential quarters, claiming the lives of young residents and agricultural workers such as 23-year-old Megdes Tamiru, and 38-year-old Gojjam Yenealem.
In the Bechbech locality (Mender 22 Kebele), five civilians were killed, including senior church elder 74-year-old Ato Gebeyehu Tarekegn and nun Woizero Askale Mariam.
In Anger-Gutin Town, two civilians were killed.
In addition to casualties, the attacks resulted in extensive property losses, and displacement of residents. Among the targets were four historical EOTC churches which were completely burned to the ground, including Kidist Selassie, Lemi-Teklehaimanot, Kidus Giyorgis, and Abuhe Churches. At the time of this reporting, insecurity has persisted across the zone and neighboring areas.
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