Falls Church, Virginia (08/31/2022) – On August 30, 2022, it was reported that Amhara militias and Fano had crossed the border and began attacking the residents of Agamsa town, Amuruu district, Horo Guduru Wollega zone, Oromia region. According to this report, at least 50 people died in this attack, and the city was completely destroyed. The report also claims this is the latest in a series of attacks perpetrated throughout the district, and that 16 of the 21 villages in the district are now completely controlled by Amhara militias and fano.
OLLAA’s staff has spoken to the families of two victims of this attack, and were able to confirm that this attack on Agamsa town took place, leading to the mass destruction of property and civilian casualties. OLLAA’s community liaison board (ATF) also met with diaspora US-based Oromo community leaders on 8/30/22. They confirmed they could not locate or know where their family members were. Our sources further allege that the residents of the town were forced to flee their homes following the attack, and provided the following picture to verify their report:
OLLAA condemns this attack on Oromo civilians, which has led to the loss of life and forced displacement of numerous individuals. As the primary duty bearer under international law, the Ethiopian government has the duty to protect its citizens, including by launching independent investigations into attacks and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. However, OLLAA is gravely concerned that the Ethiopian government has consistently failed to meet its international obligations in this regard. Therefore, we call on the international community, including the UN International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia, to independently investigate this attack and all allegations of human rights abuses committed against Ethiopian civilians throughout the country.
OLLAA is an umbrella organization that works in collaboration with dozens of Oromo communities around the world.