Report on Extrajudicial Killings in August 2023

Throughout the month of August 2023, the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) as well as members of Fano and Amhara Regional Special Forces working in tandem continued their widespread campaign of violence and brutality against the Oromo people in Ethiopia.

The list below highlights the 40 Oromo civilians confirmed by OLLAA or through mass media reports as having been extrajudicially killed in the end of July and through the month of August 2023 at the hands of these government forces and regional militias. It is important to note that this list is an incomplete accounting of those killed extrajudicially in these months 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.  For instance, an Oromo civilian by the name of Waargichaa Buchukaa was killed months ago by ENDF in Guji, Wadara, Hanchoka Boko; his death has only been confirmed recently and reported here. It is likely the true number of extrajudicial killings is much greater than the number reported below.  

Confirmed Extrajudicial Executions in July/ August 2023

  • July 20
    • Usaman Husen (West Guji, Finca’a, Finca’a Town)
  • August 5
    • Caalaa Shaafee (Qellem Wallaga, Gidami, Comman Kalla)
    • Abdul Waayid (Jimma, Saxxama, Kamiso)
  • August 6
  • August 7
    • Garramuu Takiluu (East Wallaga, Digga, Faniye)
  • August 12
    • Habtaamuu Abbabee (Shaggar City, Sululta, Handa Wezero)

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 reports of violations of human rights. Further, OLLAA calls on the international community to condemn these brutal incidents and to launch independent investigations into the reports of human rights violations and injustices against the Oromo people in Ethiopia.  In the name of peace and justice, we call on all parties to act swiftly.