Throughout the month of May 2023, the people of Oromia endured a relentless wave of violence orchestrated by the Ethiopian government. Shockingly, the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and regional forces were responsible for numerous extrajudicial killings, as well as widespread reports of violence, property destruction, and human rights violations.
While the list below highlights 30 confirmed cases of extrajudicial killings, it is crucial to acknowledge that this represents only a fraction of the true scope of this tragedy. Countless other victims remain unaccounted for, and the reported figures likely underestimate the actual extent of the violence inflicted upon the Oromo community. For example, during the month of May alone, over 240 people are reported to have faced human rights violations. OLLAA’s staff was notified of 22 additional reports of extrajudicial killings perpetrated against Oromos that have not been independently verified by publication of this report. In addition to the staggering loss of life, OLLAA has learned of 47 separate incidents of homes and crops being burned along with live animals being taken, as well as another 137 cases of arbitrary detention, beatings and physical harm, forced disappearances and even four reports of sexual violence.
Confirmed Extrajudicial Killings in May 2023
● May 13
○ Guddataa Kumsiisaa (West Shewa, Midaagany, Gijjoo Kombee)
● May 14
○ Waaqtolee Haayiluu (Matakai, Dibaxe, Qorqa)
○ Alamaayyoo Margee (North Shewa, Wara Jarso, Latu Walargi)
● May 15
○ Hayyamaa Sirrumaa and Mallasaa Milkeessaa (West Shewa, Ambo, Wadesa)
● May 17
○ Jamiilaa Gammaadaa and Isiniinoo Makkoo (East Guji, Wadra, Adoye Horo)
○ Abarraa Haayilee (West Shewa, Meta Walqixe, Luma Xaxesa)
● May 20
○ Yaasin Amadoo (West Harrarge, Xulla, Waleensuu)
○ Tuna Roobaa and Adaanee Baanataa (West Guji, Bule Hora, Kalaltu Sawa)
○ Tasgaraa Nagaraa (West Wallaga, Jaarsoo, Gaba Dafino)
● May 21
○ Qajeelaa Nagaasaa and Hordofaa Nagaasaa (West Wallage, Jaarsoo, Mura Lakku)
○ Gaaddisaa Abiraam (West Hararge, Jaarsoo, Babo Gorjo)
○ Ahimed Jabbil (East Arsi, Zuway Dugda, Burqa 2ffaa)
● May 23
○ Amboo Awaas and Hajii Tukee (East Arsi, Marti, Wataro Dino)
○ Hiisaa Gabirsoo, Abbuu Abdii and Fayisoo Haphii
(West Arsi, Heban, Heban Town)
● May 29
○ Singer Darajjee Daggafaa (North Shewa, Suluta Town, Kajima)
○ Taashalaa Sambaabaa (West Shewa, Ilfeta, Hidabu Sandi)
● Reported By Media of Lower Credibility but Later Verified by OLLAA Staff:
○ Ibiraahim Abdii and Abdallaa (West Hararge, Doba, Didu)
○ Charuu Machii and Qorichoo Dorfocee (East Shewa, Liban Cuqala, Arada Anate)
○ Raggaasaa Galataa (East Wallaga, Gida Ayana, Hangar)
○ Dabaloo Seenxii and Addunyaa Raggaasaa (H/G/Wallaga, Jardaga Jarte, Haro Lago)
OLLAA urges the Ethiopian government to fulfill its moral imperative, as well as its legal duty, to protect and defend the human rights and security of all of its citizens; this initiative includes launching independent investigations into all credible violations of civilians’ right to life. Further, OLLAA calls on the international community to take action, including by condemning these incidents and by launching independent investigations into these reports of human rights violations and injustices against the Oromo people in Ethiopia. In the name of peace and justice, we beseech all parties to act swiftly.