Rights Group Documents Hundreds of Deaths and Displacements in Ethiopia’s East Arsi Zone

July 28, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

The Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRC) has documented more than 450 civilian deaths, along with abductions, enforced disappearances and displacement, in reported human rights violations in East Arsi Zone of Oromia Region. The findings were released in the council’s 158th special report, which examined incidents that occurred across several districts in the zone between 2022 and June 01, 2026.

The 37-page report said armed groups carried out attacks targeting civilians based on identity and religion, resulting in deaths, injuries, abductions and other violations. The EHRC said its field assessment covered nine districts, with the highest number of reported deaths recorded in Meriti, Shirka and Jeju districts, where 117, 116 and 101 fatalities were documented respectively. The council also published the names and photographs of victims identified in the investigation.

The report said hundreds of people were abducted in Shirka, Robe, Jeju, Meriti and Munisa districts, with the whereabouts of many victims still unknown. More than 14,000 people were displaced from their homes due to security concerns in Jeju, Shirka, Asako and other districts, according to the report. It also documented the burning and looting of historic churches in affected areas.

The EHRC described the reported acts as crimes against humanity and called on federal and regional authorities to strengthen civilian protection, hold alleged perpetrators accountable and support the return of displaced communities. The council said its findings were based on field investigations conducted in affected areas, including the collection of testimonies and documentation of reported incidents. The report adds to ongoing concerns over security and humanitarian conditions in parts of Ethiopia, where armed conflicts and violence have displaced communities and created challenges for civilian protection.

Source: FSX Business News