Falls Church, Virginia (04/04/2022) – On March 31, 2022, it was reported that an “organized armed group” surrounded and attacked a vehicle transporting members of the federal security forces, Oromia regional police, and local militias in Qorke, East Shewa zone, leading to the death of 25 people, and at least 15 injuries. Although early reports showed some disagreement about the identity of the group who perpetrated the attack, subsequent reports and a statement released by the Fantalle woreda administration have claimed that Amhara militias (Fano) were responsible for the attack. OLLAA has spoken to a credible source who confirmed the attack was perpetrated by Amhara militias.
Following the attack, the Oromia regional government issued a statement expressing their condolences for the families of the victims of this attack and pledging to bring the perpetrators to justice.
OLLAA notes that there have been numerous reports of Amhara militias perpetrating attacks against Oromo civilians in Oromia Special Zone and throughout Oromia over the last couple of years, including the East Wollega zone, Horo Guduro Wollega zone, and the West Shewa zone. We are concerned that this latest attack represents an escalation on the part of the Amhara militias, who have previously refrained from ambushing federal or regional security forces, and may be a harbinger of further acts of violence against Oromo civilians. We support calls for an investigation into this incident, and into all allegations of human rights abuses committed against civilians throughout the country, particularly Oromo civilians. Finally, we urge the international community to launch independent investigations into the killings and violence perpetrated by Amhara militias against civilians.
OLLAA is an umbrella organization that represents dozens of Oromo communities around the world.