March 6, 2026 – OLLAA is deeply concerned by the findings published by Amnesty International documenting sexual violence, summary killings, torture, and other grave abuses committed against civilians in Oromia. According to the report, women and girls—including minors—were subjected to horrific violence primarily by fighters from the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), as well as government soldiers.
These reports are extremely troubling and reflect a continued pattern of insecurity across Oromia. OLLAA condemns all acts of violence against civilians, whether committed by the OLA or by government forces, and stresses that no party should be allowed to harm innocent people with impunity. For far too long, civilians in Oromia—especially women and girls—have been left defenseless, invisible, and unprotected.
Since conflict intensified in Oromia in 2019, Oromo civilians have continued to bear the brunt of violence perpetrated by multiple actors, including non‑state armed groups such as the OLA and militias such as Amhara Fano. This report by Amnesty International is long overdue and highlights what civilains in Oromia have been reporting for years. We call on the Ethiopian government and all parties to immediately halt violence against civilians—especially women and girls, whose bodies often become the first sites of violation during conflict. While women in other parts of the country may occasionally receive visibility, it is rare for women and girls in Oromia to see the atrocities committed against them acknowledged, let alone see justice pursued.
Once again, we urge all actors—particularly the Ethiopian government and OLA leadership—to take immediate steps to prevent further harm, avoid escalatory actions, and ensure that women and girls are protected. We remind the Ethiopian government that it is their responsibility to safeguard all civilians, especially women and children. We also call on authorities and stakeholders to support independent investigations into these allegations so that the full truth can be established and accountability pursued.
Finally, we call on the international community to press the Ethiopian government to end violence against civilians, cease hostilities, and commit to meaningful reconciliation efforts.
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