EHRCO Reports Over 450 Civilians Killed in Identity-Based Attacks in East Arsi
The Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO) reports that over 450 civilians have been killed in identity-based attacks across nine districts in the East Arsi Zone. The report details widespread human rights abuses, including mass detentions, rape, and the destruction of religious sites, calling for urgent government intervention.
Why it matters
This report highlights a severe escalation in ethnic violence and potential crimes against humanity in Ethiopia, signaling a critical breakdown in regional security.
Nairobi, Kenya — At least 450 innocent civilians have been killed in ethnic and religious identity-based attacks across nine districts in the East Arsi Zone of the Oromia administration, the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO) revealed in a new report.
In its 158th special statement—spanning an investigation period from September 2021 to June 2026—the 37-page report documents widespread human rights violations, including physical injuries, mass detentions, rape, and extensive property destruction carried out by armed groups.
EHRCO conducted field observations and data collection as part of its investigation. The documented death toll across nine affected districts is as follows:
The EHRCO published the names and identities of the deceased within the report.
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