From late August and through the month of September 2023, the Ethiopian government continued its brutal assault against the Oromo people. The majority of the confirmed killings of Oromo civilians in the closing weeks of summer were perpetrated by the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) often in conjunction with regional forces, such as Benishangul-Gumuz regional special forces, and federal police as well as by non-state armed militia groups, including Fano. At times, it was reported that Fano operated in conjunction with Amhara regional forces in these attacks. When taken together, these assaults present stark evidence of a continuing, widespread campaign of violence perpetrated by the Ethiopian government against the people of Oromia.
The below list highlights the 26 Oromo civilians confirmed through mass media reports or by OLLAA staff as having been killed extrajudicially during a time period beginning at the end of August and throughout the month of September 2023 at the hands of these government and government-aligned forces. It is important to note that this list is an incomplete accounting of those killed extrajudicially in late August/September 2023 as it does not include victims of mass murder, those whose names are unknown, or whose reported deaths OLLAA’s staff was unable to verify independently by the time of publication or those not documented on mainstream media. Clearly, the true number of extrajudicial killings is likely much greater than the number reported below. Further, other non-governmental forces may also be committing similar acts.
Confirmed Extrajudicial Killings in late August/September 2023
- August 29
- Caalaa Ahimed (Bunno Bedele, Cawaqa, Cafe Mangistu)
- Kafana Dheresa and Abera Diriba (West Shewa, Ambo, Ganji Goro)
- September 4
- Danuu Malkaamuu (East Wallaga, Sibu Sire, Jarsoorama)
- September 6
- Ahimediin Jabalii and Bareedaa Kadir (Arsi, Zuwaay Dugaa, Natile)
- September 7
- Miftaa Faari (Qellem Wallaga, Dalle Wabara, Haro Sibu)
- September 12
- Abdoo Haajii (Bale, Mada Walabu, Walatti)
- September 13
- Abbabaa Abarraa (West Shewa, Wanci, Wanci)
- Wangeeluu Solomoon, Abiraam Taaddasaa and Solomoon Tarfaasaa (Qellem Wallaga, Gidami, Qumbabi Shampi)
- September 14
- Abarraa Abdiisaa and Immiruu Toleeraa (East Wallaga, Kiramu, Burqa Soruma)
- Bilaadin Jiboo, Taajii Nuuruu, Tolaa Nuuruu and Amiinuu Nuuruu (East Wallaga, Gida Ayana, Andode Dicho)
- September 15
- Fayyinee Alamaayyoo (East Wallaga, Gida Ayana, Gara Dicho)
- September 21
- Kadir Margaa, Hafiz Jamaal and Zaakir Abdulaay (West Wallaga, Mana Sibu, Bengua)
- Jabal Hasan Alii (West Shewa, Mada Walabu, Bengua)
- September 22
- Nigatu Ababa (West Wallaga, Mana Sibu, Mandi Town)
- September 23
- Umar Aliyyii (Wollo, Bate, Tarre)
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, including by launching independent investigations into all credible violations of civilians’ right to life. Further, OLLAA implores the international community to take action, including by condemning these incidents and by launching independent investigations into these ongoing reports of human rights violations and injustices against the Oromo people in Ethiopia. We believe all parties must act swiftly for the sake of peace and justice.