The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has confirmed that 48 people were killed and 20 others injured in an armed attack in Southeast Oromia Zone on October 24, 2026. The attack took place in Birbona Chole Kebele, Sirka Woreda, in the Southeast Oromia Zone. An armed group identified as the Oromo Liberation Front, commonly known as OLF-Shene, reportedly entered the area from four directions and carried out the attack between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.
The victims included 23 kebele-level security personnel, five militia members, and 20 civilians, according to the EHRC report. A further 20 people sustained injuries. The Commission gathered information from victims, families of victims, eyewitnesses, community representatives, religious leaders, injured people receiving medical treatment, and relevant government institutions. It also verified the killings through field observations and digital investigation methods.
The attack resulted in the destruction of 21 houses, the displacement of 247 households, and the looting of an undetermined number of cattle and sheep. The EHRC said it had repeatedly called on the government to take appropriate measures to prevent recurring attacks in several parts of the former Arsi Zone, including Aseko, Anqolo Wabe, Guna, and Merti woredas.
EHRC Chief Commissioner Berhanu Adelo described the killings, injuries, property destruction, and displacement as extremely serious. He called on the government to strengthen civilian protection in affected areas and other locations facing similar security threats. The Commissioner urged authorities to respond promptly to security threats by reviewing and strengthening local security structures and improving early warning systems.
The Commissioner also called for a prompt, independent, and effective investigation into the attack, accountability for those responsible, and adequate assistance for the families of those killed and injured. He further urged the government to facilitate the safe return of displaced residents to their villages and take immediate measures to compensate and rehabilitate victims.
The EHRC said it is continuing investigations into human rights violations and the causes of attacks in different districts and periods across the Southeast Oromia Zone. It will release additional findings once the investigations are completed. The EHRC also said it is monitoring and investigating attacks in Gambella, areas along the Oromia-Somali regional border, various parts of the Amhara Region, and human rights violations linked to the conflict in the Tigray Region.
The government has a constitutional obligation to respect, protect, and fulfil citizens' rights to life, property, physical security, and liberty, according to the EHRC. Authorities must not only investigate human rights violations and ensure accountability but also introduce sustainable preventive measures to stop similar attacks from happening again.
Key points
- 48 people killed in armed attack in Southeast Oromia Zone
- Attack carried out by Oromo Liberation Front, commonly known as OLF-Shene
- Government urged to strengthen civilian protection and investigate attack promptly
