According to sources, Sora Abadeta was born in Jarso town, West Wallaga zone of Oromia. He got his BA degree from Rift Valley University Nakamte Campus. He was a comedian and he was in his early 20’s.
OLLAA staff conducted research from various sources about his death. Reports circulating on social media claimed Sora died July 26, 2023 at midnight in a hotel located in Addis Ababa, around the Jamo area. However, the news of his death spread on July 27, 2023. BCC Afaan Oromo interviewed his friends regarding his death. His friends informed the BBC that he had told them that he had received phone calls from people threatening to kill him. According to his friends, Sora did not know who they were. His remains were admitted to St. Paul’s Specialized Referral Hospital, but doctors informed the family that they would have to wait for two weeks to know his cause of death. There have been rumors that a female suspect was arrested in connection to his death, but the police have still reported nothing as of the time this report was compiled.
Assassinations and extrajudicial killings are increasing at a concerning rate. Oromo artists, singers, and politicians are becoming targets for killing in the capital; within two weeks, three artists have been found dead. As a result, there is concern from the public that Sora’s death is no coincidence. OLLAA urges the Addis Ababa and federal government police to investigate and immediately make the results public.
International Law
International human rights law imposes the obligation for states to protect individuals from human rights violations, including violations of the right to life, which is guaranteed under numerous human rights treaties that Ethiopia is a party to, such as the UDHR, ICCPR, CRC, and ACHPR. The right to life entails the government’s duty to protect individuals living under its jurisdiction. Failure to hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable represents a clear violation of international human rights instruments and the Ethiopian Constitution.