All documented incidents
Page 33 / 35
Every published incident, newest first. Open one to read the full record.
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Disappearance in Gelan, Special Zone Surrounding Finfinne (7 Jun 2021)
Renowned Oromo artist Falmata Kabada was detained for an unspecified period in prison in Galan, Finfinnee/Addis Ababa, from where he disappeared on 7 June (Gadado 11 June). Source: Oromia Support Group, OSG Report 57 (2021-09-01), p.8.…
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Killing by police in West Shewa (5 Jun 2021)
There were many social media posts after Sena Ragassa was killed in Ginci, W Showa, on 5 June. The young teenager was politically active but otherwise innocent. She was taken from her home and shot, outside Ginci police station according…
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Killing by Oromia special forces in West Wollega (1 Jun 2021)
Special Forces, shot and captured. He was brought before his parents and publicly executed on 1 June (Gadado 11 July). Source: Oromia Support Group, OSG Report 57 (2021-09-01), p.17.…
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Sexual violence by Oromia special forces in East Wollega (25 May 2021)
Melkamu Fekede Abdissa, a young boy, was in his family home in Kiramu town. E Wallega on 25 May when Oromia Special Force police entered his home and attempted to overpower and rape his mother. Melkamu seized one of their guns and ran to…
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Detention in Mida Qany, West Shewa (24 May 2021)
Yehome Bekele Harrassment and detention of Judges Late evening on 24 May, Judge Wabii Tasfaa Jofaa Godoo from Mida Qany district, W Showa was caught at his house by security forces and detained. He is reportedly held in a ‘special prison’…
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Killing by government forces in West Guji (23 May 2021)
Two were killed and one critically injured when government soldiers opened fire on residents of Calbessa, Galana district, W Guji, on 23 May. Source: Oromia Support Group, OSG Report 57 (2021-09-01), p.21.…
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Killing by police in Gimbi, West Wollega (23 May 2021)
Gadado reported on 23 May that three prisoners (unnamed) in the sugar factory at Fincha’a, Horo Guduru, E Wallega, were shot and killed by local police on 18 May 2021. Abebe Jirata, a teacher and father of five, was taken from his home in…
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Killing by government forces in Ebantu, East Wollega (23 May 2021)
Mulugeta Urgeesa, killed by government forces in Ebantu, E Wallega, at an unspecified date in October 2020 (Gadado 23 May). Source: Oromia Support Group, OSG Report 57 (2021-09-01), p.13.…
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Killing in East Shewa (23 May 2021)
Previously unrecorded killings were reported by Gadado on 23 May. They included several who were killed in demonstrations following the assassination of Hachalu Hundessa on 29 June 2020. The following were killed on 30 June: Ibsa…
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Humanitarian access in Guji, Oromia deteriorating, armed groups occupy number of health centers: UN
A newly released report by the UNOCHA sheds light on the little reported armed violence in Guji zone of Oromia regional state. According to the report the humanitarian access situation in the area continues to deteriorate as a result of…
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Killing by government forces in Kellem Wollega (22 May 2021)
Standard on 22 May. Amanuel was accused of belonging to Abba Torbe and his interrogation by soldiers of Oromia Special Forces (OSF) was posted on Facebook by the communication bureau of Dembi Dollo city on the day they killed him. He was…
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Police transfers Mohammed Deksiso to undisclosed location
The brother of Jimma University graduate Mohammed Deksiso, Sultan Deksiso told Addis Standard that Mohammed was brought to Addis Abeba after weeks of being detained without his family knowing his whereabouts. Sultan said “ We don’t know…
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Detention by government forces in Gelan, Special Zone Surrounding Finfinne (17 May 2021)
OLF Central Committee member Colonel Gamachu Ayana was among nine ordered to be released by Lideta Federal High Court on 17 May 2021 but was re-arrested with Gada Gabissa, Bate Urgessa, Dawit Abdata, Lami Benya, Waqo Nole, Gada Oljira and…
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Detention by police in Ambo, West Shewa (17 May 2021)
Rabuma Getacho, an employee and health worker at Ambo University who has been arrested several times previously, was taken into police custody in Ambo on 17 May. Source: Oromia Support Group, OSG Report 57 (2021-09-01), p.8.…
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Killing in Miyo, Borena (16 May 2021)
The public execution of Galgalo Wako, a youth from Miyo district, Borana zone, by the District Governor on 16 May was reported by OSG (Report 56, p.25). Source: Oromia Support Group, OSG Report 57 (2021-09-01), p.21.…
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Oromo Liberation Army says it detained three Chinese nationals “involved in mining operations” in west Wellega
The Oromo Liberation Army, OLA, said in a statement that its forces have “detained three Chinese nationals involved in mining operations around Mendi, West Wellega.” There are no reports so far of missing Chinese nationals in the area,…
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Detention in Nekemte, East Wollega (May 2021)
High Court Judge of E Wallega zone, Dinqa Abdissa, was detained in late May. He was said to be held in Kumsa Moroda palace, Nekemte. Although never charged or appearing in court, his crime was to admit youngsters into his home when they…
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126 people held incommunicado at an informal site near Awash Melkassa; detainee beaten by police
A detainee told EHRC that on 15 May 2021 Oromia police took 126 people to a poultry farm compound outside Awash Melkassa, where they were held for two months without their families knowing where they were, with little food and water. He…
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Amanuel Wondimu's father and over a dozen mourners arrested in Dembi Dollo
In the weeks after Amanuel's execution, Oromia security forces arrested over a dozen people gathered at the family home to mourn, including his father, and warned residents not to visit. Most were released, but his father remained…
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17-year-old Amanuel Wondimu beaten and publicly executed by security forces in Dembi Dollo
On 11 May 2021, Oromia special forces arrested 17-year-old student Amanuel Wondimu Kebede in Dembi Dollo, beat him and shot him in the leg, paraded him with a handgun tied around his neck, and executed him in public at the town roundabout…
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Killing in West Wollega (8 May 2021)
Amanuel A Abdissa, 45, farmer and family head, Daro Sambo, W Wallega, was imprisoned in April. He was taken from detention and executed on 8 May 2021. His body was thrown into nearby bush. OMRHO 2021 Report, p.9. Source: Oromia Support…
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Torture / ill-treatment in Ginchi, West Shewa (6 May 2021)
Malkitu Ebbisa was taken from Ginchi, W Showa, on 6 May. According to her fellow detainees, Malkitu has suffered more severe ill-treatment than they have but is unable to talk about it. Source: Oromia Support Group, OSG Report 58…
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More than 20 civilians killed in two separate attacks by armed groups
At least 21 civilians were killed in two separate attacks. Fifteen passengers were killed by gunmen in a bus traveling from Bure town in West Gojam zone, Amhara regional state, to Nekemte city, East Wollega zone, Oromia regional state.…
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Killing in Guliso, West Wollega (30 Apr 2021)
The killing of Iyasu Icho in Tegi Galewo, Guliso, W Wallega, on 30 April 2021 was reported by OSG previously (Reports 56, p.19, and 57, p.16). His body was dumped in the forest (OMRHO 2021 Report, p.11). Source: Oromia Support Group, OSG…
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Mother of university lecturer & doctoral student confirms gov’t security forces killed him at his home
Agitu Bulcha, the mother of Kajela Tasisa, a lecturer at Dembi Dollo University and who was currently pursuing his doctoral studies at Arba Minch University, confirmed that he was killed at his residence in Dembi Dollo, western Oromia, by…
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Killing in West Arsi (27 Apr 2021)
Abdalla Aman, father and breadwinner in Heban, W Arsi, was killed by security forces on 27 April 2021 (OMRHO 2021 Report, p.17). Source: Oromia Support Group, OSG Report 59 (2022-04-04), p.9.…
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Detention in Mana Sibu, West Wollega (21 Apr 2021)
Students Sadam Kottola Waqo, 20 (grade 8) and Xahir Hirbora Halake, 20 (grade 11) and his brother, pastoralist Utee Hirbora Halake, 25, taken in Harqallo 01, 21 April Hoxesa Kiyato Gambela, 46, pastoralist, Wato, 21 April Arrested in…
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Killing in Begi, West Wollega (20 Apr 2021)
Five youngsters, including a ten year-old child, were killed by security forces in Begi, W Wallega, on 20 April 2021 (OMRHO 2021 Report, p.12): Jafar Jamal Bushura Source: Oromia Support Group, OSG Report 59 (2022-04-04), p.19.…
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Senior staffers at Jimma University accused of coup attempt, Graduate student remains missing
Ten staffers of Jimma university were arrested this weekend on the grounds of attempting a coup and supporting the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). Eight of the lecturers were arrested on April 2, 2021 while the remaining two were arrested on…
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Despite release orders, OLF PR head, his driver remain in police custody; Party says it notified Electoral Board, Rights Commission
The head of the public relations bureau of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), Batte Urgessa and his driver Wondosen Abdulkadir remain under police custody after the court released them on bail. They appeared in Burayu district court six…
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At least 28 Amhara civilians shot dead in Sedeka village, Bone kebele, Babo Gembel district
At about 8 p.m. on 30 March 2021, gunmen surrounded Sedeka village, forced Amhara residents to gather for a "meeting" and shot 28 dead. A survivor said the attackers spoke Afaan Oromo and had long hair common among OLA fighters. Oromia…
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Oromia police arrest OLF’s PR bureau head, his driver. Both didn’t appear in court
In a statement released on its official facebook page , Oromo Liberation Front, has announced that Batte Urgessa, and his driver Wondosen Abdulkadir were arrested by Burayu police, Oromia Regional State. Batte was arrested while visiting…
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TV show producer, activist Meseret Dhaba released after 38 days in detention without charges
TV show producer and activist Meseret Dhaba was released from prison today after 38 days in detention. Meseret was first arrested on January 27, 2021 among dozens of people from the premises of federal high court Lideta branch for wearing…
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Mohammed Deksiso and two co-defendants still detained despite Jimma court release order
EHRC said Mohammed Deksiso and two others charged in the same case remained in detention although a Jimma woreda court ordered their release on 7 Megabit 2013 (16 March 2021), and called for the court order to be respected. Source:…
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Detention by police in Burayu, Special Zone Surrounding Finfinne (Mar 2021)
Bate Urgessa became severely ill in detention in 2022, after being held in foul conditions with OLF colleagues in numerous official and unofficial places of detention, where they were often held incommunicado, since his arrest in March…
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More than 40 civilians killed in western Oromia; regional gov’t, OLA rebels trade blame
A series of attacks in western Oromia regional state mounted by armed men against civilians since Saturday March 6 claimed the lives of at least 42 people so far, including women and children. The victims are members of the Amhara…
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Oromia Special Forces in East Wollega kill a high-school student days before he sits for school leaving exam
As the Oromia regional state government renewed its vows to wipe out the rebel group Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), an intensified crackdown continued to claim the lives of civilians. In the latest such crackdown, members of Oromia special…
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Gunmen who storm a local Church kill 29 in Horoguduru, western Oromia
Twenty nine people were killed in East wollega, Oromia regional state. Residents who spoke to Addis Standard said that that attack took place on March 05 in Abo church in Debos Kebele, where residents were celebrating the beginning of the…
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Elders’ intervention ends hunger strike by Oromo opposition politicians
After a consorted effort by a group of elders, which included Ethiopia’s famed Olympian Derartu Tulu, religious and community leaders, imprisoned Oromo opposition party politicians have agreed to bring to an end the hunger strike they…
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Jimma Uni graduate, two others who remain in police custody against court order face new charges
The Police in Jimma city, Oromia regional states have brought new charges against Jimma university graduates Mohammed Deksiso, Mulugeta Shitee and University staffer Wondimu Legesse Abba Dafar (PhD), their lawyer Obsinan Girma told Addis…
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Killing by government forces in Borena (27 Feb 2021)
Renewed intensity of persecution by federal forces began in early 2022 and was further intensified with drone, aircraft and heavy artillery attacks during the talks to end the war in Tigray. After those hostilities ceased in November…
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Student Mohammed Deksiso arrested in Jimma for calling for release of Oromo politicians; held five months
On 14 February 2021, security forces arrested Mohammed Deksiso, a graduating student in Jimma, after he called for the release of Oromo politicians and justice for Hachalu Hundessa. He was held for five months with serious due process…
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OLF accuses gov’t of fresh crackdown on its members; Oromia region says measures taken on several dozen rebel members, thousands arrested across region
Opposition party Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), said yesterday that ten of its members , including two journalists working for its broadcast, Sagaallee Billiisummaa Oromo (SBO), were arrested by government security forces over the weekend.…
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Disappearance by police in Burayu, Special Zone Surrounding Finfinne (20 Dec 2020)
Yerosan Hayu was detained in several places after his arrest on 20 December 2020, up to his release on 21 October 2021, including police stations, a police training centre and unofficial detention centres. Rearrested on 4 January 2022…
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Detention by Oromia special forces in Gelan, Special Zone Surrounding Finfinne (20 Dec 2020)
OLF Office Coordinator, were detained 20 December 2020, freed by court order on 17 February 2021 but remained in detention. As with other OLF detainees, they have been held for periods of weeks or months, incommunicado in locations…
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Detention in Arero, Borena (Dec 2020)
The Oromia Political Prisoners Support Committee released the names of over 500 detainees in Oromia Region in early December. Only six of those detained in Southern Oromia were named: Aisha Jamal, Jara Jabir. Jalata Lammi and Lalisitu…
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Detention by government forces in Special Zone Surrounding Finfinne (Dec 2020)
Since then, he has been detained twice by the current Prosperity Party government. He was detained for four days in Finfinnee in December 2020 (OSG Report 56) and was held incommunicado for an unknown period in the capital in September…
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Opposition party Oromo Federalist Congress says it will find it “extremely hard” to take part in coming elections under existing conditions
In a statement it released today, the opposition party, Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) says despite having the willingness, it finds it “extremely hard” to take part in coming elections under the existing conditions in the country…
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Killing in Gelan, Special Zone Surrounding Finfinne (3 Dec 2020)
Two of four killed in Machara village, Hawa Galan district: Obsa Bekele and Ephraim Boshe Two killed in Debita Bile kebele, Sedi Chanka district: Aboma Mitiku and Workneh Bekele (Gadado 3 December). Source: Oromia Support Group, OSG…
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Killing in Guliso, West Wollega (25 Nov 2020)
Sgt. Ebro Usen became notorious in W Wallega. He ordered the severe beating and shooting of a young girl accused of braiding an OLA fighter’s hair. He ordered her to put her finger in the barrel of his gun and fired. She lost two fingers.…