Over December 2022, the lives and livelihoods of Oromo civilians continued to be threatened by Ethiopian government security forces. Ongoing drone strikes and attacks by non-state armed actors led to violations of Oromo civilians’ right to life.
Below is a list of 30 individuals whose deaths were confirmed by mass media reports or by OLLAA’s staff on the ground. These extrajudicial killings were conducted by government forces–including Oromia regional special forces and Benishangul-Gumuz regional special forces–and in drone attacks launched by the Ethiopian government. The report also includes Oromo civilians confirmed to have been killed by non-state armed actors, including Amhara militias (Fano) and Afar militias.
This list is an incomplete accounting of those killed extrajudicially in December as it does not include victims of mass executions, individuals whose names are unknown, or reports that OLLAA was unable to verify independently by the time of publication. During the month of December, OLLAA’s staff received numerous reports of human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings perpetrated against Oromos that have not been independently verified as of this time, including 148 reported extrajudicial killings or killings committed by non-state armed actors, 388 arbitrary detentions, and 32 reports of property destruction. . It is therefore highly likely that the true number of victims is much higher than the figures reported below.
Confirmed Extrajudicial Executions in December 2022
- December 25
- Dabali Abaya ( West Wollega, Lalo Assabi, Dongoro)
- December 26
- Baacaa Dassaaleny, Fu’aad Mohaamed, and Ahimediin Mahaamad (Ilu Ababor, Darimu, Darimu)
- December 27
- Qajela Gobena, Aragash Birasa and Romane Tamasgen (West Wollega, Mana Sibu, B/Gumuz Border)
OLLAA’s staff was also able to confirm that the following individuals were killed in a drone attack that was launched in the Wara Jarso woreda of the North Shewa zone on December 3, 2022:
- Marge Elemo, Girma Didha, Girma Katama, Abiri Kebede, Mulugeta Mariso, Gazu Girma, Getachew Nuguse, and Baraka Boji
Reports of violence by non-state armed actors were also reported during the month of December, leading to the death of civilians and violations of their right to life. OLLAA was able to confirm that the following individuals were killed by Amhara militias (Fano):
- December 3
- Daraje Fayisa, Bikila Kalbesa, Addisu Biranu and Dhinsa Galata (East Wollega, Anger Gute, Gutin)
- December 20
- Nugusa Hirko, Yashi Gammachu, Jammara Wirtu, Mangistu Ragasa, Tasmasgu Ayana, Idosa Takata and Mokonen Gudata (East Wollega, Gidda Ayana, Konnoji)
OLLAA also was able to confirm that the following individuals died during an attack by Afar militias on December 25th:
- Boru Dhadacho, Abdal Bulu, Mohamed Wako, and Ibrahim Boru (East Shewa, Fantale, Fantale)
In light of these attacks, OLLAA continues to urge the Ethiopian government to fulfill its duties under international law by protecting its citizens. We also call for independent investigations into these attacks, as well as into all credible allegations of human rights violations against Oromo civilians. Furthermore, as the government forces continue to inflict violence on civilian populations with impunity, OLLAA continues to appeal to 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.